Stuart McCall dismisses Motherwell thoughts of second

Jennings (left) spent 10 minutes off the field with a head injury

Stuart McCall insists his main target is finishing third despite his Motherwell side drawing level with Rangers in second place in the table.

Well's 1-0 win over Aberdeen, coupled with Rangers' defeat by Dundee United, means goal difference is all that keeps the Scottish champions ahead.

"If we can finish third, it would be an outstanding achievement by this group of players," said the manager.

"We've just got to amass as many points as we can."

Stevie Hammell's 22nd-minute strike was enough to give Motherwell a win that keeps them 11 points ahead of United and St Johnstone, who defeated St Mirren.

"Now we are level with Rangers, but our first thought after coming off is how did St Johnstone do and the Hearts-Hibs result tomorrow because we want to secure that third spot," McCall told BBC Scotland.

"We've got Rangers to play twice, but we'll just take a game at a time.

"We've a difficult game when Kilmarnock come here next week then obviously Rangers come here and we go to Hibs and then we've got the split.

"It is a big result. With St Johnstone winning and Dundee United winning, I think it was a huge victory for us."

Injury and suspension problems meant debutant Adam Cummins started in central defence alongside Jonathan Page, himself having a rare start, with teenager Stuart Carswell in midfield.

"I am absolutely so proud of them - the young boys at the back and young Carswell in the middle of the park," said McCall.

"I just thought, all round, it was a great effort.

"In the first half, I thought we played well and created a lot of chances.

"In the second half, Aberdeen got a foothold and another unsung hero today was Steve Jennings as he had to go off with a head knock for 10 minutes.

"That left us down to 10 men. We hung in and they got a foothold in the game.

"But, other than one terrific save Daz pulled off from Vernon, we kept them at bay and deserved the victory."

Hammell scored with a terrific strike from distance.

"He has great ability Steven," added McCall. "He's got a sweet left foot, but his goal was outstanding to win any game."