IAN Baraclough today warned his Motherwell players they can't rely on other teams to save them from the SPFL Premiership drop.

Baraclough admitted the Fir Park club is "fighting for their lives" after they crashed to a 4-0 defeat to Celtic at Parkhead last night.

The Steelmen fell four points behind Partick Thistle, who thrashed Hamilton Accies 5-0 at Firhill, in the top flight table.

And their worried gaffer knows they have to end their four game losing streak against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.

He said: "It was always going to be difficult going to Celtic Park. You are playing against a team that is full of confidence and has good individuals

"We worked hard to try and contain, to try and win the ball back, but when we got possession we weren't good enough with the ball.

"We gave it away cheaply and we helped our own downfall in that respect."

Baraclough added: "We have to put it right in our next game. We can't keep relying on others and not picking up points ourselves.

"We have to win games and pick up points. "We know for sure, we aren't kidding ourselves, that we are part of that group of three down at the bottom of the table fighting for our lives.

"Out of possession we have got to be strong and let the opposition know that we're not going to just lie down and be rolled over."

Baraclough, who was without Keith Lasley for the game against the Hoops, added former Scotland internationalist Stephen Pearson to his squad this week.

And he revealed he is hopeful he can bring in more new faces before the January transfer window closes to boost Motherwell's chances of staying up.

He said: "You would like to think so. We need to find the right people, players who are up for a scrap, who can come into the group and help."