Celtic thrashing a stark Motherwell warning ahead of European campaign says captain

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Motherwell captain Stephen O'Donnell reckons the Steelmen's Premiership finale against Celtic is a levels reminder ahead of their Europa Conference League run.The Steelmen had already qualified for European football ahead of taking on the champions at Parkhead on matchday 38.It end poorly for them as Kyogo Furuhashi and Georgios Giakoumakis doubles alongside David Turnbull and Jota goals inflicted a 6-0 defeat upon them.Graham Alexander's men headed into the match fourth after 1-0 and 2-1 wins over Ross County and Hearts, but finish fifth after Dundee United leapfrogged them with their win over the Staggies.A second qualifying round entry awaits 'Well in July but O'Donnell insists they won't get much further than that if they put in a performance like their final 2021/22 league encounter.He said: "Celtic had too much for us.

We couldn't get to grips with them. We'd rather be playing in European games than the League Cup group stage games."If we perform like that in Europe, it will be a short stay for us."We need to make sure we enjoy our summer, rest up, come back fresh and be better.

That's what we have to strive for."It's been a successful season for Motherwell nonetheless after securing European football.

A strong 2021 made up for a frustrating 2022 where Alexander's men won just three times in the league.There were good performances throughout this tough run - like coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Rangers - and O'Donnell says they'll aim for improvement in big matches.The Scotland international added: "Any finish in the top six has to be considered a real positive season.