Rangers win puts Motherwell in Champions League

Glasgow Rangers' 5-0 thrashing of Dundee United this evening has put Motherwell in next season's Champions League.

The result ensured a second-place Premier League finish for the Ibrox club, but their recent administration prevents them from playing in Europe.

Third-placed Motherwell, who beat Hearts of Midlothian 1-0 last weekend, will enter the competition at the third qualifying round in their place.

"Over the course of the year we have thoroughly deserved it. We have been third all year. If you ask every manager in the SPL, they would say we deserved it," said Motherwell striker Michael Higdon.

"I'm just delighted for the fans and the lads. We have worked so hard all year. I'm just made up. I've seen Motherwell play in Europe a few times and that's what I want to experience."

Goals from Steven Whittaker, Jamie Ness, Alejandro Bedoya, and a Sone Aluko brace gave Ally McCoist's side a well-earned victory at Ibrox.