MOTHERWELL calmed the blue sea of Ibrox in May.

Now the Steelmen are attempting to channel that energy to subdue the maroon masses of Tynecastle tomorrow night.

Well go to Gorgie in what will be an intense atmosphere as always at the home of the Jambos.

The ground of the Edinburgh club has always been regarded as one of the most electric stadiums to play in given the close proximity of Hearts’ large support to the pitch.

But while many may freeze in such surroundings, Motherwell captain Keith Lasley knows those around him are more than capable of turning up the heat.

At the end of last season, the Fir Park club travelled to a sold-out Ibrox in the first leg of the Premiership play-off final. While many thought the top-flight club would buckle under the pressure, the Steelmen showed their mettle to claim an emphatic 3-1 win that went a long way to ensuring their safety.

Now faced with another hostile environment, Lasley is relishing the prospect.

“It really is a highlight playing at Tynecastle,” said the Motherwell captain. “You ask most players in Scottish football and they will tell you it’s one of the most enjoyable away trips.

“The pitch is tight, the stands are really close to the park and these factors create a great atmosphere when the fans are going for it. We hope to try and quieten their crowd as much as we can in terms of how we approach the game.

“It’s nothing to be overawed by because this is the kind of platform players want to play their football on. It’s something to embrace and enjoy.

“We played under a lot of pressure last year for obvious reasons given our league position and none more so than in the play-off games.

“What that does give us is a confidence that when the going gets tough we can play. We have the nous and wherewithal to get through those atmospheres and get the job done.

“It stands us in good stead for most things that will be thrown at us this year, especially at places like Tynecastle.”

Well’s opponents have enjoyed a terrific start to the campaign as two wins from two have propelled Robbie Neilson’s team to joint top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

It is a lofty perch that Motherwell believe they should also be sharing. Following an opening-day win up at Inverness, Ian Baraclough’s team somehow were on the end of a 2-0 home defeat to Dundee United on Saturday.

It was an encounter Motherwell bossed for the majority, only to be undone at the last. Despite the result, though, Lasley has plenty positives to take them into a highly-charged match tomorrow night in the capital.

He said: “It’s a change from last season when our performances just weren’t good enough. On Saturday we were sitting at 0-0 thinking ‘this is the worst-case scenario,’ then before you know it you are 2-0 down.

“It was obviously bitterly disappointing to lose on the back of the win up in Inverness because we really thought we could take things on.

“I thought the performance was there and we created a lot of chances. It’s good we have a game so quickly and it’s just onwards and upwards.”

He added: “Hearts had a great season last year and have started well this campaign. It will be a tough game. They will be difficult opponents this year as they have a lot of energy in their side.

“However, we go there with confidence. Yes, we are going into the game on the back of a defeat but, given our performance, there’s a lot of positives to take. I’m sure all the new players are looking forward to it and, to be honest, it cannot come quickly enough for us.”