McGhee believes Motherwell can beat Nancy at Fir Park

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee is optimistic his team can progress to the Uefa Cup group stage despite a 1-0 defeat in Nancy.

Pascal Berengeur's header was enough for victory, with Steelemen goalkeeper Graeme Smith also stopping a second-half penalty.

"It's a good result for us but we didn't play well or get forward and threaten enough, McGhee told BBC Sport.

"1-0 gives us a right good chance and I think we can do better at home."

Motherwell only had one effort on goal in the whole game, as Mark McGhee opted for a less attack-minded formation.

The Lanarkshire side often line up with three players up front, but new man John Sutton was deployed in the lone striker role.

"We felt we could have got people up in support of John in the first half, but it didn't happen," said McGhee.

"So in the second period we changed things a bit as we felt we couldn't keep taking punches."

And after his five-star performance, goalkeeper Smith was singled out for special praise.

"Graeme played well - I'm pleased with him," said McGhee.

"He had a brilliant save at the penalty, and a great save to tip over the bar.

"On nights like these you have to have your goalkeeper playing well."