As Motherwell prepare for their season finale against Hibernian on Saturday, manager Jens Berthel Askou is keeping his squad focused on what truly matters—securing a European spot. After a controversial 3-2 defeat to Celtic on Wednesday night, where a Sam Nicholson handball decision sparked heated VAR debate, Askou insists his team has already turned the page.

"You have to deal with emotions straight away and put them behind you," Askou said. "Then you focus on what's coming." The Danish boss emphasized that VAR doesn't enter his players' minds when they step onto the pitch. "We don't think about it. We just play."

Regarding Nicholson, whose handball was the flashpoint of Wednesday's drama, Askou showed unwavering support. "He's absolutely fine. He did everything right in the situation. I'd ask him to clear the ball with his head in the 95th minute tomorrow if need be." That kind of trust speaks volumes about the team's unity heading into a high-stakes clash.

On the broader VAR issue in Scottish football, Askou called for investment and improvement. "We need to lift the level. Everyone is trying their best and open to critique," he said, acknowledging the growing pains of technology in the game.

The stakes couldn't be higher. A fourth-place finish is on the line, with both Motherwell and Hibernian vying for a European berth. "It's a massive event for both clubs," Askou noted. His players are "excited and ready" for the challenge, knowing that securing European football would be "a massive achievement" for the club.

In positive team news, Stephen Welsh is available after missing the midweek match against his parent club, Celtic. With everything to play for, Motherwell are poised for a dramatic finale at Easter Road.