MICK McCarthy today backed old Celtic mate Mark McGhee to lead Motherwell into the group stages of the Uefa Cup.

McCarthy was impressed with the Fir Park side as they held his Wolves side to a 1-1 draw in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday.

And he believes McGhee, who he played alongside as the Hoops won the league and cup double in their centenary season back in 1988, can help the Steelmen scale even greater heights in the months ahead.

The Lanarkshire club will play in Europe for the first time in 13 years this season after defying the odds and finishing in third place in the SPL table.

And Mick enthused: "I thought we played the best we had so far this summer against Motherwell the other night and could only draw the match 1-1.

"They were a tough team who were difficult to play against. My old Celtic pal Mark has clearly done a fantastic job as manager there with very limited resources.

"They are looking forward to European football for the first time in many years and, after seeing them play so well the other night, I think they are ready for it.

"I thought their goalkeeper, Graeme Smith, was the best player on the park against us. However, they competed with us well and they defended very well.

"I am sure they all wanted to do well against a Coca-Cola Championship side and prove they could handle life against a better quality of opposition. Well, they certainly did that.

"Motherwell clearly punched above their weight to finish ahead of Hibs and Hearts last time out."

McGhee paid a glowing tribute to his old Celtic buddie the other night in SportTimes when he said the centre-half could head the ball further than most players could kick it.

Former Republic of Ireland player and manager McCarthy has returned the compliment to the former Parkhead striker - with his tongue placed firmly in his cheek.

Mick grinned: "Mark could trap the ball further than most players could kick it!"

He added: "Seriously, though, as a centre-half it is very important that you can head the ball well. If you can't then you shouldn't be playing in that position.

"I keep telling my players that if you have a role to do then you have to be really good at it. It is nice to hear Mark say I was good at my job.

"Mark was a very good player, too, one I always enjoyed playing alongside at Celtic. Along with Frank McAvennie and Andy Walker, we had a really good strike-force. Whoever got the nod from big Billy McNeill usually got in on the goals.

"I got on well with Mark away from football too. I enjoyed his company and we have remained friends for the last 20 years. We still keep in touch and speak from time to time.

"He has carved out a very good career for himself as a manager down in England. That was no surprise as he is an intelligent man with a great understanding of the game and a real presence about him.

"But to take Motherwell into Europe is perhaps one of his greatest achievements in the dug-out.

"If he gets them through the qualifiers and into the group stages it would be some feat. It will also be lucrative for the club."