KEITH LASLEY has been told that he is too old and past it - and that's just from his family.

The man that turns 36 later this year is undeniably in the twilight of his professional playing career, 16 years after it first started at Fir Park.

But the Motherwell captain insists there is life in the old dog yet - and that he will know himself when it's time to hang up his boots for good.

Lasley has racked up a staggering 39 games for his team this season alone, a colossal figure considering how vital and influential he was in keeping them up in the last week.

The former Plymouth midfielder's work rate and ability defied his years and grey locks at Ibrox in the Premiership play-off first leg on Thursday and again in Sunday's Fir Park return.

It led to him being awarded the man-of-the-match award in the 3-0 second leg rout giving proof, if ever it was needed, that Lasley is not ready to be written off.

"My wife does that," laughed the Motherwell captain, "as do my kids! My wee boy is only three but he tells me I'm too slow and need more training!

"So I've got some harsh critics in the house, but I'm 35 and will be 36 in September, but as long as I feel fit and feel I'm contributing to the team it's up to me to keep going.

"I'm obviously contracted for next season, and coaching and management is something that really appeals to me, but I feel I've got another two or three seasons in me.

"In football you need to take things year on year, but the way I feel just now I feel I've still got a lot of football to play.

"As soon as I stop having an influence and an impact on the game, then I'll know, but I feel I'm still a long way from that."

Lasley has had his fair share of highs over both his spells in claret and amber.

As well as playing in the Scottish Cup final, Europa and Champions League qualifiers, he also was at the centre of Motherwell's Pittodrie party last season as they pipped Aberdeen to second place in the SPFL Premiership with a dramatic 1-0 win.

It was a moment of unbridled celebration and joy he never thought could be topped - until last weekend.

"It's a totally different emotion," said Lasley. "This year it's all about relief, but in saying that there is a sense of pride as well.

"A lot of people probably didn't fancy us going to Ibrox before we had to come back to Fir Park.

"Losing 6-1 is probably a bit harsh on Rangers over the two games, but it's a great achievement for us and we had the belief in the dressing room that we could do it.

"I've got some memories from these two games that will probably stay with me forever, particularly the end of the game at Ibrox which was a real moment to savour, as was the game on Sunday."

The post-match pictures from Fir Park on Sunday have dominated both back and front pages across the country with images of kicks, punches and pitch invasions everywhere.

It has almost gone unnoticed that the Motherwell skipper took to the park himself to celebrate with supporters while giving them a rendition of fans' adopted anthem Twist and Shout.

"I'll be on the X Factor next year in the over 35s section," joked Lasley.

"You saw the fans there as well, they've been fantastic and hopefully we can harness some of that going into next season as well.

"It's great for the whole community. We know what it means to them and the fans who turned out today, and that's what I'm pleased about the most.

"Yes, there's personal satisfaction, but I'm just so pleased for those fans as they've had to watch us at times this year when it's not been great, yet they've still kept turning out and it's great to give them something back."