‘WELLSIGHTS SET ON GERS
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Motherwell boss Graham Alexander says his side will need to step up their performance again from the win over Aberdeen – as they head into a showdown with Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Steelmen, who beat the Dons thanks to goals from Kevin van Veen and Juhani Ojala, face a daunting task against the reigning Premiership champions.
There’s a possibility they could top the table by the end of the weekend if they sink Gers and results go their way elsewhere.
But Alexander knows it will be a totally different challenge, as Gers host their flag day party in front of a full house and ‘Well fans have been denied a ticket allocation.
The 49-year-old, whose side sit fourth and two points off Steven Gerrard’s table toppers, said: “We’re going to have to work exceptionally hard there.
“We worked really hard on the training pitch for the two weeks leading up to this game, because we knew we won the last two games but had to improve; there were some things we could have done better.
“I felt we did that [against Aberdeen] and we’re going to have to step it up again.
“There’s loads to improve with the team, we know what they’re capable of, the potential, but if you’re winning while you’re growing then we’re really happy.
“I’ve always got confidence in my players and in my team; I see the work they do in training, how they work together, and we have to build upon results.
“The three wins we’ve picked up have been brilliant for us.
“We have to build up our tally, because we know there are tough times ahead, and we have to fight and scrap for every single point.”
Alexander says his side were disciplined against Stephen Glass’ Dons side and refuted any suggestion that van Veen is lucky not to be missing the Gers clash, following a challenge on Calvin Ramsay when he was already on a yellow card.
He added: “I felt it was a little bit harsh with the yellow, but I can understand the referee trying to calm everything down, because there were a few challenges from both teams.
“There was nothing malicious, I just thought it was two really competitive teams. There’s no chance he deserved red, and anyone who says that is wrong.
“I didn’t think it was illtempered, I thought it was a competitive game. I didn’t see one challenge there where I winced and thought ‘Ooh, that’s naughty’, not one.”