Keith Lasley urges Motherwell restraint against Levante

Motherwell may be trailing in their Europa League play-off but Keith Lasley insists it would be foolish to chase an early goal against Levante.

The Spaniards demonstrated great counter-attacking prowess to win the first leg 2-0 at Fir Park.

"We won't be going Gung-ho that's for sure," explained skipper Lasley.

"We saw the quality they possess. They are very experienced at sitting in and picking you off and they showed that in the first leg."

Levante were impressive on their first European outing and the group stage beckons for the Valencia team.

However, Lasley is determined to make it as difficult as possible for the hosts.

"I don't think there was much between the teams until the first goal," added the midfielder.

"After that they reverted to their system and looked very comfortable, so we're going to be up against it.

"We'll go there and try and keep ourselves in the game as long as we can then you never know.

"You might nick a goal from a set piece it's a funny old game football at times and let's hope that's the case on Thursday night."

Motherwell find themselves in the same position as they were after the home leg of their Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos earlier this season.

Their trip to Greece saw them lose 3-0 in the second leg.

"Their supporters will be up for it as it's their first game in Europe at home, so we've got to take heart from the fact we were close to them up until they scored at Fir Park," continued Lasley.

"If we can go toe-to-toe with them again and maybe nick that first goal then we can maybe start to dream.

"If we can do that it could make the home crowd a bit nervous and put a bit of pressure on them."

Motherwell's task is not helped by the fact they are without a handful of key players for this second leg and will turn to youth to plug the gaps.

Defenders Tom Hateley and Simon Ramsden are out injured, while Shaun Hutchinson is suspended after his red card in the first leg.

Midfielder Nicky Law is another who has not travelled due to injury, while striker Michael Higdon, did make the flight but is struggling with an achilles problem.

Four teenagers Adam Cummins, Fraser Kerr, Stuart Carswell and Steven Hetherington are likely to feature in manager Stuart McCall's starting line-up.

And while it will be a big test for them Lasley believes the youngsters can rise to the occasion.

"There are some young guys who've come into the team in the league campaign and certainly done themselves justice," insisted Lasley.

"So this is another opportunity for them to come in and let the manager know that they want to be part of the team."