Motherwell defender Mark Reynolds has refused to give up on his dream of playing for the Old Firm after Rangers failed with a £1million bid.But the 21-year-old insists he is more than happy to remain at Fir Park for the time being and continue his development.

Reynolds is contracted to the Lanarkshire side until 2011 and manager Mark McGhee was quick to throw out the offer from their SPL rivals.

"Any young player aspires to play at a high level," said Reynolds.

"Living in Scotland, and seeing Celtic and Rangers and what they do in the league every year, it's something that would appeal to any young player.

"The lure down south is there as well and it's something you would have to weigh up. But going to Ibrox or Parkhead would be a good move for any young player in Scotland."

He added: "I'm confident I can play at the highest level.

"If you are playing against guys at Celtic and Rangers, you are no use if you don't believe you can play at that level.

"I believe I can make the step up.

"I'm contracted to Motherwell for another four years and in doing that I was able to give them an opportunity to get a fee for me.

"We will be playing European football next season and I'm happy at Motherwell.

"There could have been a few twists and turns but the manager wants to keep the team together and there's no point living with the ifs and buts of what could have been.

"The ball's in Motherwell's court. I've committed my future to them and given them the power.

"I've seen so many players leave on frees or for less value than they should have gone for.

"Hopefully when I do go, Motherwell will get a fee, it will soften the blow and we can part on good terms."

McGhee has also found himself in demand after steering the Steelmen to a third-placed finish last season.

He was close to holding talks with Hearts before deciding to remain at Motherwell and Reynolds is confident he can only improve as a player with further guidance from McGhee.

He said: "We enjoy playing under him and we know he can take us to another level.

"Personally, I feel as though I have improved under him and I'm confident I can go to the next level with him at the helm.

"I've been lucky at Motherwell with the calibre of managers we have had."

Reynolds fully expects to find himself under increased pressure next season following the interest from Rangers.

He said: "Last year, a lot of people wouldn't have been watching me - I was just a young player making my way in the game and playing well on occasion.

"Now, when you've got that price tag on your head, there are more people watching you and there is a lot more scrutiny.

"If you can't live up to the pressure, you will never play at the highest level. I just need to embrace that and try to continue performing as I have been."

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