MOTHERWELL line up against Rangers this afternoon less than 48 hours after touching down from Israel but defender Ricky Lamie believes it has been no more taxing than a trip to the Highlands.

Stephen Robinson’s men chose to stay overnight on Thursday after being knocked out of the Europa League by Hapoel Be’er-Sheva and flew home on Friday afternoon.

They now welcome the league leaders to Fir Park at noon for what will be one of Motherwell’s most demanding matches of the season.

Lamie, though, insists the hectic nature of the build-up won’t be a factor come kick-off.

“I wouldn’t say it has disrupted the preparations,” said the former Livingston defender. “You spend three hours or more travelling back from Aberdeen last week or going up to Ross County.

“It’s part and parcel of things. We stayed overnight and flew back on Friday morning after breakfast. It was just like a normal working day. We got back at a good time and got rested up.

“It’s handy if you can come back and start preparation the next day. It was a long flight but it’s definitely the way forward. We got rest after the game, got food in us and flew back on Friday afternoon.

“The boys’ legs are fine. There was plenty of effort put in but we’ve been used to it and played plenty of games up until now. The backroom staff kept us ticking over. There’s no hassles at all.”

Motherwell shocked Aberdeen with a 3-0 win last Sunday and now have their sights focused on causing another upset.

“Rangers had another good result on Thursday night and will be going into the game feeling positive,” added Lamie. “But we’ll go into it, as always, looking to win the game. It’s about being brave when you go up against the Old Firm.”