McCall: We can't take foot off pedal yet

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall refused to write off Dundee United for a Champions League berth despite moving five points clear in third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a 5-1 victory over St Johnstone at Fir Park.

McCall's side took full advantage of Hearts' late equaliser at Tannadice to extend their lead with their first win in five games.

McCall said: "There are still nine points and we have two really tough away games. I watched the majority of the Hearts game and I thought they were excellent up at Tannadice. With lads like (David) Templeton and (Mehdi) Taouil on the bench, they have got good footballers and they are all fighting to be involved in the cup final."

Motherwell never looked back after Michael Higdon netted a 17th-minute penalty and Nicky Law netted from close range three minutes later.

The recalled Jamie Murphy volleyed home from 16 yards just after the break and substitute Henrik Ojamaa scored a late double on the break after Liam Craig had pulled one back from the spot.

United now face both sides of the Old Firm ahead of their final-day visit to Fir Park but they have won their last two games against Rangers, and Motherwell next travel to Tynecastle and Ibrox, venues where they have lost this season without scoring.

McCall added: "Then we go to Rangers, which will be their last home game of the season so they will obviously want to put in a performance. So we might need to win the last game against Dundee United, you just can't foresee it.

"There is no taking our foot off the pedal, we will go well prepared to a tough venue on Tuesday night."

Motherwell, who have only been outside the top three for 10 days in January, rediscovered top form just when it looked like they might struggle to hold off a resurgent United.

McCall had a full-strength squad for the first time since August, with Steve Jennings and Keith Lasley restored in central midfield following recent suspensions, and their front players all shone.