BROWN ON THE SPOT

Motherwell manager Craig Brown is confident his team can score in their Europa League clash against Icelandic league leaders Breidablik on Thursday but his attention to detail has ensured he has put his players' penalty skills to the test this week.

Well lead 1-0 in the second qualifying round ahead of the second leg in Iceland tonight and an away goal would mean their hosts need three goals without any prospect of extra-time. However every Motherwell player has taken spot-kicks in training this week in case the home side tighten up in defence and force the game beyond 90 minutes.

Brown said: "We're ready for penalties if necessary, we hope it won't go that far. I don't believe you can simulate the pressure of a penalty shoot-out but you can practise, and if you practise you tend to be more perfect."

He added: "Although the practice circumstances on a training ground are totally different, I think it would be irresponsible of us not to practice.

"We have done that and we had some very good penalty takers - and hopefully if we need them they'll be there."

Midfielder Tom Hateley will be one of the initial five players up for penalty duty but he will not be worried if any potential shoot-out goes beyond that stage.

"We practised them and, touch wood, they were good," the 20-year-old said.

"Everyone took a penalty the other day and I don't think anyone actually missed in the first round.

"So it's not a case of getting to the seventh or eighth and thinking 'oh no'. I'm confident in everyone dealing with the pressure."

Motherwell will face Norwegian side Aalesunds in the next round if they retain their advantage.