STUART McCALL has stressed the importance of a positive start to Motherwell's post-split SPL campaign.

Mathematically, at least, a Motherwell victory at Dundee United tonight would force Celtic to claim either a victory or a draw at home to Inverness, on Sunday, to clinch the SPL title.

But the Fir Park gaffer is only interested in trying to continue his side's momentum that has seen them rack up a six-game unbeaten run and open up a three-point gap clear in second place.

With Well defensive stalwart Stevie Hammell having handed his gaffer a boost by coming through training earlier in the week, the Steelmen will head to Tayside at full strength.

Not surprisingly, McCall was bullish about his side's prospects of claiming a second victory at Tannadice over the men in Tangerine this term.

He said: "We have come into the post-split with real momentum and it is very pleasing to have a run behind us as we enter the most important stage of the campaign.

"I am aware, that depending on our result at Tannadice, Celtic will, or can become champions on Sunday. Fair play to them they have the best squad and the biggest budget and they have deserved it over the piece.

"But we have to look to ourselves and we are going to Tannadice to try and get the win to further our ambitions of consolidating second place rather than anything else.

"As I said, I have been really pleased with the levels of consistency we have displayed of late and these are the standards we must maintain if we want to make it a really memorable season for Motherwell football club."

In the previous meeting between the two sides at Tannadice a quick-fire double from Michael Higdon and Chris Humphrey helped Well earn a 2-1 victory.

But United have posted two 1-0 victories at Fir Park that McCall is keen to avenge.

BUT with the Tangerines boosted by both the arrival of Jackie McNamara as manager and their last gasp-entry into the top six, McCall is under no illusions as to how tough it will be.

He said: "Aside from the last game of last season, when there was nothing at stake, we have a very good record up there.

"If we can repeat the start we made up there in the first game we will be delighted.

"But United have been clearly galvanised by the arrival of Jackie. The way they secured a top-six place and pushed Celtic all the way in the Scottish Cup semi-final underlined they are a team playing with a lot of confidence right now.

"With that being the case for both sides, I think we will see a good open attacking game of football tonight, I am sure the fans will be entertained."

Well midfield ace Nicky Law picked up the Clydesdale Bank player of the month award for March award and McCall, who landed manager of the month, is hoping that will propel the 25-year-old to a fine display.

He said: "Nicky's been outstanding for us over the last few weeks and richly deserved his award.

"He is one of a number of our players who have been in good form. With Michael Higdon leading the SPL scoring charts, I am hoping both of them can maintain their recent levels.

"We are delighted to be sitting second going into the split and it is up to us to make sure we do everything we can to stay there."