Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has laid down the gauntlet ahead of Saturday's Premiership showdown against leaders Hearts at Fir Park, insisting his side are chasing more than just the role of spoilers.

With fourth place tantalizingly close, Askou isn't mincing words about what's at stake. "If we don't secure that fourth spot, it'll be an equally big disappointment for us as it is for Hearts if they don't finish on top after leading for so long," the Dane declared. A win on Saturday would all but lock in that coveted position for his team.

Askou made it clear his squad isn't motivated by playing kingmaker. "We're not dreaming of getting in the way of other people. We want to leave as many teams behind us in the league table and achieve something massive," he said, emphasizing their focus on their own climb rather than derailing Hearts' title charge.

The Steelmen have yet to beat Hearts this season, but they've pushed them to the limit in every encounter. Two draws and a spirited lead at Tynecastle—before a 3-1 collapse—show just how close they've come. "We play really tight, intense games against them. We haven't come out on top with three points yet, but we've been very, very close in all three. We can't wait to reach out for that opportunity on Saturday," Askou added.

Fir Park has been a fortress this season, with only Falkirk managing to take all three points there. Askou highlighted set-pieces as a critical battleground against a Hearts side known for their dead-ball prowess. "It's not that complicated," he said of keeping players focused amid transfer speculation, promising that if fourth place is secured, his team will still "give their all" in the remaining matches.

On the injury front, there's good news: no new concerns, and Johnny Koutroumbis has benefited from an extra week of training. As Motherwell gear up for Saturday's clash, the message is clear—they're playing for themselves, not just to spoil Hearts' party.