IAN BARACLOUGH has called for his Motherwell players to stand up and be counted as they fight for their Premiership lives.

The Steelmen were brushed aside by Celtic on Wednesday night as they suffered a 4-0 defeat and fell seven points adrift of Partick Thistle in the top flight standings.

Below them, St Mirren edged nearer as they drew with Dundee United, who Baraclough's side face in a crunch clash this weekend.

And the Fir Park boss admits he needs big characters and big performances if they are to avoid the drop this term.

Baraclough said: "We've got to be brave, we've got to get on the ball. We've got to make things happen when we do win the ball back and certainly not lose in cheaply.

"We need more competition for places and that comes from getting some back off the treatment table, coupled with a couple of new, fresh faces.

"Over and above that, we need to be prepared to roll up the sleeves and be prepared for a scrap. We're giving things away far too cheaply and that's not good enough.

"We lack confidence and in that situation, you look to your big characters to say: 'I want to be the one that makes the difference'. That's real bravery."

Defeat at Parkhead was Motherwell's fourth reverse in-a-row as they have shipped 14 goals and netted just once since the victory over Partick Thistle last month.

They face a tricky trip to Tannadice this weekend knowing they could slip to eleventh place in the table and Baraclough knows his side must respond in the right manner.

He said: "It is a quick turnaround. We have to pick ourselves up and don't mope about it.

"We learn from the defeat and where things have gone wrong and make sure we are right again.

"It is another game that people will be expecting a home win but we have got to be prepared to go and battle and make it difficult for them.

"We have to be braver in possession and be better, have better quality."