Askou on fourth place, not being kingmakers & staying focused

[SNS]

Manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before Motherwell host Premiership leaders Hearts on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points:

• Askou insists if Motherwell don't secure the "massive achievement" of fourth place it would be "an equally big disappointment for us as it is for Hearts if they don't finish on top now after they've been there for so long".
• The Dane, whose side can all but clinch fourth with victory on Saturday, adds: "We're not dreaming of becoming kingmakers or in this for getting in the way of other people. We want to leave as many teams behind us in the league table to end up in a position where we achieve something massive."
• Motherwell have yet to beat Hearts this season but ran them close in each meeting, taking two draws and then leading at Tynecastle before succumbing to a 3-1 loss. Askou says: "We play some really tight and intense games against Hearts. We haven't come out on top with three points yet but we've been very, very close in all three games and we can't wait to really reach out for that opportunity when it comes on Saturday again."
• Only Falkirk have defeated Motherwell at Fir Park this season, with the manager pointing to set-pieces as being key against a Hearts team that use that as one of their strengths.
• Askou insists "it's not that complicated" keeping players focused despite the speculation over interest from other clubs. The Dane says if his team do secure fourth, he can "guarantee" they will still give their all to win the remaining games.
• There are no new injury concerns, with Johnny Koutroumbis benefiting from an extra week of training.