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Motherwell pledge to make it tough for Rangers

 

Goalkeeper Graeme Smith insists Motherwell are ready to turn on the style and beat Rangers after clinching their place in next season's Uefa Cup.

Many Celtic fans hold fears that Motherwell will ease off, having secured third place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Victory for Rangers would leave them one point behind Celtic, with St Mirren to play ahead of the final day of the campaign.

But Smith believes the absence of pressure could help Motherwell produce some "free-flowing football".

"Any time you play the Old Firm people say you raise your game," the former Rangers player said.

"The atmosphere and the occasions make it easier to play. They are the quickest 90 minutes.

"We have nothing to lose. Sometimes the boys are a bit shaky when they play the Old Firm but we can go out and express ourselves."

Mark McGhee has told his players they will face a Rangers side who will be even more determined to lift the title following their Uefa Cup final defeat.

And Ross McCormack, another former Rangers player, insists Motherwell are aiming to scupper Rangers' title dreams.

"If selected, I will be looking to take the league off Rangers," McCormack said.

"There is no doubt that we won't be lying down. We have been in all week training hard.

"We have played Celtic four times this season and we really went up against them and tried to beat them. It's only fair to Celtic that we do the same against Rangers.

"We have got nothing to lose so I expect us to really go at Rangers."

McCormack is expected to move in the summer after his contract expires, although he claims staying is "always a possibility".

"I have been speaking to a couple of clubs lately," he added. "There are a couple of (English) Premier League teams and a good few Championship teams so we will see what is the best."

McGhee's future also remains the subject of speculation given his spectacular debut season.

But the chance to manage in Europe may prove crucial in encouraging him to stay if any other offers come his way.

"I thought that coming to Scotland would give me an opportunity to do that," McGhee said. "I didn't know it would be this year but I hoped over time it would come along. Here we are having the opportunity this year."

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