Keith Lasley believes Motherwell’s SPL rivals see the Steelmen as a scalp despite their meagre playing budget.
The Fir Park captain has been part of Well’s rise from administration to the Champions League qualifiers and can see a change in attitude from opponents towards the Lanarkshire men.
He believes the SPL now fears Stuart McCall’s team and credits a collective effort from the boardroom to the pitch for Motherwell punching above their weight.
In an interview with the Sunday Mail, Lasley said: “SPL teams maybe fear Motherwell more now than they did six-years-ago because we have been pretty consistent in that time.
“This group of players have had some relative success and have reached the Scottish Cup Final and the Champions League. That is no mean feat.
“It is a back-handed compliment to Motherwell that sides afford us a high level of respect but we have become victims of that success to an extent.
“Some teams definitely see Motherwell as a bigger scalp than they would have in the past and their attitude when they face us has changed considerably.
“In terms of budget Motherwell should reside in the bottom half of the SPL. What we have achieved is all down to a collective team effort as we have a great management structure in place and a good set of players.
“That’s why we have managed to punch above our weight in recent seasons and long may that continue.”
