Donnelly delighted to reach Europe

LIAM DONNELLY admits he never dreamed that Motherwell would secure European qualification at the start of the season.

The Steelmen are dusting off their passports after Monday’s curtailment of the Premiership campaign saw them officially finish in third spot – enough to book a place in the Europa League qualification rounds next term.

Given Motherwell finished eighth in their previous campaign, Donnelly concedes that seemed like a pipe-dream last July.

“European football is the prize for us. When we started the season I don’t think anyone expected us to even be pushing for a European place,” said the Northern Ireland internationalist.

“But we started quite well and as the season progressed we altered our expectations and those ambitions grew - certainly from within the club.

“We were determined to push on and secure European football and all the lads are buzzing about playing on that stage and potentially taking on some big opposition. It’s

The Fir Park side were one point ahead of Aberdeen when the SPFL was halted due to the Covid-19 crisis on March 13. And Donnelly insists they would have held on to third spot come the end of the season. He said: “It’s a massive achievement for the club and we are confident that, if they game had been finished, then we would have held on to third position.

“It’s fully deserved for our performances throughout the season up until the games were stopped. That won’t be taken away from us.”