'Well manager Craig Brown guided his side to the Europa League play-offs

Craig Brown praised his Motherwell side after they progressed to the Europa League play-offs with a superb victory over Norwegian outfit Aalesunds.

"I thought we were very good in the opening part of the game when we scored two goals," Brown told BBC Scotland after the 3-0 win at Fir Park.

"They're a very good side and we shouldn't underestimate the result.

"For large parts of the game they passed the ball better than we did. But we defended very well indeed."

Motherwell's win secured a 4-1 aggregate victory and Brown was keen to stress the importance of a number of impressive individual displays.

"The fans were right when they chanted 'there's only one Stephen Craigan'. Both he and Reynolds, after a shaky start, were absolutely excellent," Brown said.

The Norwegians enjoyed a period of ascendancy early in the second half but Brown said his side improved after going to a four-man midfield.

"That helped us because we were trying to match up to them which, at home, we shouldn't have done," added the 'Well boss.

Brown reserved special praise for Jamie Murphy, who scored his seventh European goal for the club, but also set up substitute Jon Page for the third goal.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Motherwell's Europa League progress

"There's a boy with a European record, one on one with the goalkeeper and he squares it to a better-placed player: now that's team spirit if ever I saw it."

Brown also believes goalkeeper Darren Randolph will prove a success at Fir Park.

"When I phoned and was trying to get a replacement for John Ruddy, I phoned round many football contacts," he revealed.

"And the one that really sold him to me was Charlton captain Christian Dailly. He said: 'if you can get Randolph then you've got some goalkeeper'.

"I think he's going to be a very good acquisition and we needed him tonight."

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