Steve: Group stages is aim

Jul 20 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

STEVIE HAMMELL is adamant Motherwell won't be UEFA Cup whipping boys and admits he wants to emulate Aberdeen's Euro achievements of last term.

The full-back is loving his second stint with Well after a brief spell at Southend.

Hammell helped Mark McGhee's side finish third in the SPL, earning direct entry into the UEFA Cup first round where they could face the likes of AC Milan.

Stevie watched in awe in February as the Dons clashed with mighty Bayern Munich in the last 32 and reckons the Steelmen can make the group stages. He said: "European football is a great boost to your career.

"But we don't want just one game, we want to reach the group phase.

"Look at how Aberdeen did. They played some top sides and had a fantastic run facing stars like Luca Toni.

"If we keep the squad fit we have the quality to enjoy similar success. I watched Aberdeen v Bayern at Pittodrie and the atmosphere looked unbelievable.

"It will be hard because some UEFA Cup sides have real pedigree. But we're sure we can take the next step."