Paul Lambert admits Motherwell's win over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership play-off is not good for football in Glasgow.

The Steelmen defeated 'Gers 6-1 in a two-legged relegation-promotion clash which denied the Ibrox club the chance to move back into Scotland's top flight where they would resume Old Firm hostilities with arch rivals Celtic.

Ex-Well and Hoops star Lambert knows the result does not suit his home city but acknowledges that Ian Baraclough's side thoroughly deserved to retain their top flight status.

"You earn the right to stay in the league and Motherwell have earned the right," said former Aston Villa boss Lambert.

"It's maybe not good for Glasgow or Scotland because the city needs a strong Rangers, as well. But you earn the right and that's why I think Motherwell deserve to stay in the league. They were the better team over those two legs.

"But I think the city and the country needs a strong Rangers. They are pivotal to it. Celtic need that.

"If I was a Celtic player, you would want your strongest rivals to be in the league because you need that."