MOTHERWELL striker David Clarkson insists no one at Fir Park is thinking about Europe - despite the club sitting third in the SPL table.
Mark McGhee has performed a minor miracle at the side he joined in the summer, guiding the Lanarkshire side to their lofty position where they are seven points adrift of leaders Celtic.
In the mind of Clarkson Europe is merely a place he heads when the football season ends in May.
The 22-year-old has tasted life on the continent with Scotland Under-21s but he does not expect to be packing his case again for UEFA Cup trips next season.
Clarkson said: "We don't really pay much attention to the UEFA Cup here. People are talking about Europe but we're just concentrating on the football and winning games at the moment.
"We have just got to keep talking about football and just focus on finishing in the top half of the table. We want to keep improving on last season and as long as we keep playing well then we will be happy."
Motherwell face a tough festive and New Year period with games against the Old Firm and those chasing them for the European place. But Clarkson is convinced they won't hit a bad run and undo all their good work.
He said: "We know these games are going to be hard. But we will continue to play our own game as we have done this season.
"We have worked hard all season which is what the gaffer is looking for.
"We have been quite successful and these games were always going to be hard. But it will be a big test of how far we have come.
"If we stay together and keep playing for each other then I don't see why we can't enjoy the Christmas period."
