Motherwell moved within touching distance of a place in the IUEFA Champions League after a 1-0 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle on Tuesday.

Michael Higdon's 16th goal of the season after 29 minutes secured a ninth away win of the campaign as Stuart McCall's side moved eight points clear of fourth-placed Dundee United.

The triumph means Motherwell require just two further points from their final two games, at Rangers on Saturday and against United on 13 May, to be absolutely certain of finishing third this season.

To deny Well, United must win their three remaining games, at Rangers tomorrow, against champions Celtic on Sunday and at Fir Park on the final day of the season. Second-placed Rangers' financial troubles mean they are ineligible for European competition.