Stuart McCall takes share of blame for Motherwell's plight

Stuart McCall left Motherwell after a run of five straight defeats

Rangers manager Stuart McCall admits he feels partly to blame for Motherwell's place in the Premiership play-off final against the Ibrox side.

McCall quit as Motherwell boss earlier this season following a poor run of results but says he must now focus on trying to relegate them.

"I've got to take a share of the blame for what has happened," he said ahead of Thursday's first leg at Ibrox.

"I never once envisioned Motherwell would be anywhere near the bottom."

McCall led the Steelmen to third place in his first year in charge at Fir Park followed by back-to-back runners-up slots, the latter two while Rangers were in Scottish football's bottom two tiers.

But he departed after registering only two wins from his side's first 12 games this term.

He said: "The reason I left was that, after finishing best of the rest three years running, we had a poor start after getting a lot of injuries and I could only see us fighting for that sixth spot.

"I felt that would be a challenge that I just didn't have in me any more. I didn't have the energy or drive any more.

Stuart McCall led Motherwell to second place in Scotland's top tier in successive seasons

"So I thought it would be better to let someone come in and refresh the place."

His position at Fir Park has been filled by Ian Baraclough, while at Ibrox, since joining Rangers in March, McCall has reinvigorated a squad that was struggling under Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall earlier in the campaign.

McCall said in early April that it would be "a nightmare" if Rangers were to meet Motherwell in the play-offs.

However, now that has transpired, he is determined to lead Rangers to the top tier at Well's expense.

"Since I've had a pair of football boots at four years old, I've always wanted to win," the 50-year-old said.

"My kids will tell you that I've left them in tears at times after beating them at Monopoly.

"It's how I am. And just like Keith Lasley, Stevie Hammell and the rest will be wanting to win for Motherwell, it's in me to do the same.

"Football can be ruthless, but this is just the way it has turned out.

"I'm quite a loyal person and I had almost four brilliant years at Motherwell. But my thoughts on that and what comes next for them will only come after Sunday's match.

"I'm fully focused on doing the job I came here to do. Rangers are my club and we want to get promoted."