Alexander: Character key to strong finish

Motherwell boss Graham Alexander insists character and determination will be key in the final five matches of the Premiership season, starting on Sunday at home to Rangers.

The Steelmen came from 2-0 down to claim a 2-2 draw with Livingston almost a fortnight ago to secure a top six berth, despite a run of one league win in 13 attempts.

Their final five games following the split begins with a Fir Park clash against Rangers as they look to move up the table from sixth and into a

European spot.

Alexander’s men have had to come back from behind to salvage several points this season - including a 2-2 draw with the reigning Premiership champions at Ibrox back in February.

The 50-year-old believes these traits can help the Steelmen edge Dundee United and Ross County in the continental race.

He said:“Even when we’ve been on this run, we have come from behind to win points, which is very valuable.

“We were 2-0 down at Rangers, came back to 2-2, went behind against St Mirren, won 4-2. 2-0 down against Livingston, came back to draw 2-2.

“The character of the players is brilliant. I don’t need to offer more incentives as they want to win games anyway. So let’s see what the next five games bring us.

“There’s two marker posts. When we spoke about points tally in September and October, the first judgement day was the split.

“We could gauge where we are and now we have another marker point at the end of the season.”

The ex-Scunthorpe boss guided Motherwell to safety last season after arriving last January, when the club were mired in a relegation battle.

While happy to avoid that scenario this term, Alexander reckons his players want more.

He added:“From when we came in last January, we were looking over our shoulders until only a few games to go. “To not be in that position is a relief. “We are happy with that but the boys will want to achieve a bit more.”