Celts and Gers hold the key in euro race

Apr 27 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

CHRIS PORTER hit a double against Dundee United to keep Motherwell in the driving seat for Europe yesterday - then claimed the Old Firm could determine who finishes third in the SPL.

The Englishman earned Mark McGhee's men a 2-2 draw against the Arabs who hit a late leveller through Lee Wilkie at Fir Park.

Well are still favourites for a UEFA Cup slot but need to face Rangers twice in the run-in.

And Porter reckons the race for third between Well, United and Hibs could boil down to who can muster points against the Old Firm.

The striker said: "We've already beaten Celtic this season and drawn with Rangers so there's no reason why we can't do that again.

"The pressure is off a bit when you play the Old Firm and I don't think they will fancy coming here.

"United and Hibs still have to face them as well. That's why I think third place could all come down to who manages to take points off them. We play Hibs on the last day of the season at Easter Road and there's every chance it could go right down to the wire.

"To get to Europe with Motherwell would be massive for me after signing from Oldham. It would mean a lot to everyone at the club and the supporters."

Porter has been a revelation for the Steelmen this term and took his tally for the campaign to 15.

He was pleased with his two headers but gutted to lose out on the win late on.

Along with gaffer McGhee he also blasted the state of the dreadful Fir Park pitch.

Chris said: "We can't pass the ball like we were doing at the start of the season and the games are scrappy now.

"But we're fighting hard and giving 100 per cent.

"The pitch is a nightmare and we're having to revert to long balls. But a lot of surfaces are the same now.

"I was delighted with my goals but disappointed to lose an equaliser so late on.

"Agame is never safe with a one-goal lead. They didn't create too many chances so I thought we might have done enough to win it."

McGhee (below) couldn't hide his frustration at the pitch and claimed some of his stars are looking like bad players because of it.

He said: "Our performance was bordering on the shambolic. It was a really poor game.

"I don't want to keep using the pitch as an excuse but it's virtually impossible to play on. Stevie Hammell at times looked like a poor player but it was because he couldn't get the ball under control.

"It was diabolical but I don't believe it's two points dropped for us. It might come down to the last game.

"We're still favourites and I'm content with the result."

McGhee even claimed the dodgy surface was to blame for Keith Lasley's woeful late miss. He said: "David Clarkson couldn't get the ball under control. If he had, he would have run on himself and scored.

"Would I rather forfeit our home advantage? I'm not so sure because it would be hard to get a 2-2 draw at United."