Motherwell's win over Aberdeen coupled with defeats for Dundee United and Hibernian last weekend clinched a UEFA Cup place for the Fir Parkers with two games to spare.

The Well boss has overseen a transformation from relegation contenders to Euro candidates with basically the same squad in his first season in charge — but said the credit should go to the players for what they have achieved, particularly since they have also had to cope with the death of skipper Phil O'Donnell.

McGhee said: "They have had to deal with a lot and they have helped each other and shown a tremendous spirit to get through it.

"There are boys who are still quite disturbed and emotional about the events around Christmas and they have done well to produce performances and win points.

"We have not had a lot of injuries, pretty much the same 14 or 15 have played all season and that is pretty remarkable.

"This is up there with anything else I have achieved as a manager, particularly given the starting point. But the fact is it is not a miracle as these boys are good enough.

"They have been good enough to beat Aberdeen three times, they have beaten Dundee United and Hibs really well, we have won at Parkhead and taken points off Rangers.

"They have proven over the season to be good enough and all I have done is brought that out and encouraged it.

"Scott Leitch has been a superb lieutenant for me this season. All of us have worked as a team and we all deserve equal credit."

Vice-captain Stephen Craigan said he would fulfil one of his footballing ambitions by playing in Europe next season.

He said: "It's been unbelievable for us. To be even pushing for top six would've been an achievement but I think we've exceeded even our own expectations.

"We've had to work so hard because we've been pushed all the way by Dundee United and Hibs. We're delighted — it has been 13 years since Motherwell have even contemplated European football.

"It is something I have always wanted to do as a player. I've played and been fortunate enough to captain my country but I've always harboured hopes of playing in European club football.

"Hopefully now the manager keeps me on next season and I get the opportunity to do that."

Midfielder Keith Lasley insisted that now the club had secured their place in next season 's UEFA Cup they wanted to make an impact.

He said: "Aberdeen proved what can be achieved and we want to try and emulate that. We've not achieved this to turn up and make up the numbers. We want to make an impact in Europe next year and put on a show for our fans."

Although their European place is all sewn up, Well could yet have a major say in the destination of the SPL title as they face Rangers at Fir Park on Saturday with the Ibrox side desperate for the points to maintain their title challenge.

The Fir Parkers will complete their SPL programme against Hibernian at Easter Road on Thursday.