'Well boss has Euro hopes

Billy Davies is thankful his team still has a chance of European qualification

Motherwell go into the final game of the season knowing they need to bring league champions Rangers' unbeaten away record to an end to earn European qualification.

They are also relying on Hibs to beat Hearts to clinch third place in the SPL.

But 'Well boss Billy Davies is delighted even to be in the frame for a Uefa Cup spot after the opportunity seemed to have slipped from their grasp.

Dick Advocaat: Unwilling to speculate

Rangers will be anxious to preserve what is the most impressive league record in Britain.

Davies said: "It's a good occasion to look forward to.

"It's great for the fans and it's great for the players - to come up against such a quality side as Rangers on the final day is very exciting."

Driving seat

He conceded that Hearts were still in the driving seat in terms of European qualification, but added: "We've been digging in, we've showed some good nerve and at the same time Hearts have been slipping up.

"From that point of view, you never know what can happen."

Motherwell's Steve McMillan has missed a couple of days' training this week because of a groin strain and could be doubtful, but young Steve Hammell has proved an able deputy.

Striker Lee McCulloch is suspended, and midfielder John Davies is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Player of the month

The SPL player of the month for April, Rangers striker Billy Dodds, will be keen to dampen Motherwell's Euro hopes however.

He emphasised the importance of not slackening off, despite having wrapped up the league title weeks ago.

The much-travelled striker also put his recent success down to hard work and increased confidence.

Billy Dodds has plenty to celebrate

"You've got to be confident in your own ability, but you never know, the way things happen at Rangers, you've got to keep working hard," he said.

"With cup final starting places up for grabs, you've got to be on top of your game."

He admitted that his success at Rangers was less to do with an improvement in his own game, but rather to do with the quality of players he now has creating chances for him.

Manager Dick Advocaat admitted Dodds had done a "reasonable job" since his arrival at the club.

Possible Ritchie move

He also played down continuing speculation about the future of club captain Lorenzo Amoruso, but said he had not spoken to the player since his reported comments that the club wanted to sell him.

"If he feels he has to say something that is up to him, it's his responsibility," said Advocaat.

The Dutchman was unwilling to speculate on the possible arrival of Bolton defender Paul Ritchie who has long been linked with a move to Ibrox.

He expressed concern that Chilean striker Sebastian Rozental may be called up to the international squad, forcing him to miss much of the start of next season.

"If they take him he's probably out for July and August, and we have to pay his wages, so we have to reconsider his future at this club," said Advocaat.

"The boy can do nothing about it because if he is asked to come, he has to come, so I will discuss his future with Mr Murray and Rozental."

Rangers have Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Barry Ferguson fit again and back into the squad, but Rod Wallace and Craig Moore remain sidelined and must both now be considered injury doubts for the Scottish Cup final next week.