STUART McCALL fears more tinkering over league reconstruction could ratchet up the pressure on top-flight managers.

The Fir Park boss today admitted controversial plans for a three-tier 12-12-18 split had left him on the horns of a dilemma.

And he pointed to the race for second place in this season as proof that the current set-up can still provide real moments of excitement.

McCall said: "I think the drawback is the split at 22 games.

"As a manager you are looking at that as very early in terms of the amount of pressure you are under to make it into the upper tier.

"If you have a couple of early injuries to key players you would really be under pressure.

"Plus, if you look at Ross County then they were 10th at 22 games this season and they have come right through and made the top six and were third until recently. So that is maybe an issue when you're a manager."

Motherwell open up their bid to nail down second place and confirm their entry into the Europa League qualifiers, with their trip to Dundee United next Friday night.

That is followed up by a home clash against Celtic, on Sunday, April 28, before a trip to third- placed Inverness on the first Saturday in May, which could prove to be the deciding clash in the battle for second.

A home game with Ross County is followed by Well's SPL finale at St Johnstone on Sunday, May 19.

And with all but the destination of the SPL title still up for grabs, the Fir Park gaffer says this underlines just what an exciting season it has been. He said: "If you look at the product on the park there is no doubt there has been an excitement and entertainment factor that has been an improvement on previous seasons – and that is without Rangers.

"It has been almost impossible to predict from one week to the next how results will pan out.

"And if you look at the way the last round of fixtures prior to the split panned out to provide the top six then it could not have been more exciting with Killie losing out and Dundee United coming through.

"Now we have ourselves, Inverness and maybe St Johnstone, as the favourites to fill the two European places behind Celtic and loads of excitement still left."

McCall added: "The one negative for me is that the crowds have been down.

"That could well be down to the kick-off times, but the bulk of our revenue is TV generated so that is a tough one. But I look at the product on the park and I don't think there is much wrong with it."

The Well gaffer also confirmed he has continued to have talks with his out-of-contract contingent. He said: "These players will hang off and wait and see what comes their way as that is human nature.

"But right now I can confirm the club have had no enquiries for any of them."