Ricki Lamie: Playing in Europa League tie with Motherwell would be my career highlight

The ex-Livingston defender (27), who arrives on a two-year contract, is also relishing the thought of a one-off Euro tie on Thursday, August 27.

“Playing European football was a massive incentive for me joining Motherwell,” Lamie told the Times and Speaker.

“Growing up you wonder: ‘Will I ever get the opportunity?’. And for the boys to do so well last year and clinch that third spot was different class.

“There were loads of factors to lure me to the club but European football was definitely one of them.

“It is a one off tie, which will be interesting. There is a doubt that there will be fans involved, although it would be nice to get a home tie so we’ll see what it holds for us.

“To be part of the Euro match would be the pinnacle of my career.

“I’ve been pleased with my progression over the last six or seven years. Winning League One in my first year at Morton was a great achievement but to go and play in the top flight and to top it off by representing a massive club in a European competition, I don’t think it gets much better than that.”

After last season’s top three finish, Lamie and his mates are confident ahead of the next Scottish Premiership campaign which begins at Ross County on Monday, August 3.

“In terms of budgets and financial power we probably won’t be favourites to go and repeat third place,” the defender added.

“But I think we’re capable of putting in another really good season and seeing where it takes us.”

Lamie, who began his senior career at Airdrie, brings versatility to the ’Well squad.

“My preferred position is left sided centre half,” he said. “In my first year at Livingston I played 99 per cent of my games at left back or left wing back when we played five along the back.

“That was a wee bit kind of alien to me but I ended up playing the full season there and we did pretty well.

“So I continued that and – because it was my first season in the top flight – everybody thought that was my nailed down position.

“But I’ve always said that centre half is my predominant position, and I can fill in at left back and do a job.”

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