STEPHEN ROBINSON insists he doesn’t care about people moaning about Motherwell’s display at Ibrox on Saturday because it shows they had Rangers worried.

‘Well took an early lead then defended for their lives to try to hang on to it. The plan worked for 72 minutes only for Steven Gerrard’s men to score three late goals to run out victors.

Rangers fans weren’t happy with the Fir Park side’s tactics – but Robbo says he’d much rather have complaints than patronising comments.

The Well boss said: “I didn’t follow any of the criticism so I can’t say I’m bothered by it. But we must have caused them problems if we’re being accused of something. Usually if we go all-out attack then nobody says anything and we’re a great wee team!

“So we must have caused them problems for 72 minutes. And the way that they celebrated at the end showed you that.

“Once we went 1-0 up it becomes something to hang on to and subconsciously we dropped way too deep. But that was against a top, top side. And we caused them a lot of problems.

“I make no apologies for playing like that. Did we want to be more forward thinking? Of course we did. But Rangers didn’t allow us to be.”

The Fir Park side haven’t won since October and welcome an in-form Aberdeen side this evening. But Robinson reckons his team will be okay if they can start to put everything together.

He added: “Our defensive performance on Saturday was excellent as was our forward play against Hibs and St Mirren.

“We just need to bring it together and hope the football gods shine on us a little bit more than they have done recently. I believe in what we’re doing in any case. I know what we are as a football club.”

Robinson welcomes Jake Carroll back to the squad for the visit of Derek McInnes’ men. The left-back hasn’t played since February after picking up an Achilles injury. And his manager reveals just having the Irishman back has given the whole place a lift.

He added: “Jake is back in the squad. I’ll temper expectations as he’s been out a long, long time and there have been no reserve games to get him fit. But that’s a big boost, even just around the dressing room.

“He’s someone who talks and who is a leader for us. So it’s good just to have him back and around the place again, talking to the boys and encouraging them. When you’re not winning matches as we’re not at the minute you need these boys rallying around everyone.

“Jake is a fit, fit boy. He’s trained for two to three weeks solid now and if we can get him on the pitch to get some minutes in him over the next few games that would be great. There are positive signs.”

St Mirren and Kilmarnock have both appealed against the SPFL’s decision to award Motherwell 3-0 wins due to coronavirus breaches. If they are successful then Well will have to play those matches – and lose six points. But Robinson isn’t worried at this stage.

He added: “I’m not in control of that. If we have to play those games, then we will play them. Obviously if they broke rules and got punished for it, I’m not the one in charge of those decisions. We’ll deal with it if we have to.”

The Steelmen would currently be down in 11th place without those points. And midfielder Mark O’Hara knows they need to start winning again.

He said: “It’s another massive game for us and a chance to get three points on board and show what we are all about.

“We are under no illusions, Aberdeen are a top side and are high in the table. It’s good to test yourself against players of that quality.

“These games over Christmas are a chance to put together some form. I enjoy this period as a player and hopefully we can make it a good run of games and get points on the board.”