By Andrew Dickson

CHARLIE ADAM admits the SPL's refusal to extend the league season for the sake of helping Rangers' UEFA Cup bid inspired them to victory over Motherwell.

Gers edged their Lanarkshire opponents by a single Barry Ferguson goal on a tense night at Ibrox.

A series of refereeing decisions that went against the Light Blues infuriated the home support and only fuelled their desire to win more.

So it was to be expected that when Walter Smith's men finally went ahead with 18 minutes remaining, there was a defiant reaction from fans around the ground.

Players and management were euphoric too and after all that has gone against Rangers recently, Adam was buoyant after the hard-fought victory.

The midfielder came on as a late substitute for Jean-Claude Darcheville and in turn made his first appearance in nearly six weeks after a knee injury.

Adam said: "We are very happy. Motherwell made it tough for us and they are a good side so this is a great result for us.

"It was fantastic to win 1-0 and now there are four league games to go and we're still in a good position.

"We are fighting and scrapping for each other and, of course, we used recent events as motivation.

"We just want to dominate and win games. As footballers, we want to do well and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead now in our last six games of the season."

Adam was thrilled to return to action after a knee injury which looked as though it would keep him out for the rest of the season.

Now he is in contention to feature in next Wednesday's UEFA Cup final with Zenit St Petersburg in Manchester.

The midfielder added: "Hopefully I've come back at a good time. I just need to keep showing what I can do in training and it would be nice to be involved some more.

"I was very happy to get my opportunity tonight. When I got injured, I was a wee bit worried I'd be out for the rest of the season but our physios have really helped me.

"I've missed some fantastic matches and five weeks was a long time to be out but there are still more fantastic matches between now and the end of the season."