Michael Higdon insists Motherwell thoroughly deserve their spot on the Scottish Premier League table.
The Well sit second on 60 points, 12 behind Celtic, following their 3-1 home win over the champions on the weekend with Higdon netting his 25th goal of the season.
That form has him in with a chance of winning the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award - for which no Celtic players were nominated - prompting ire from Hoops boss Neil Lennon.
But Higdon disagrees: "I'm not bothered about him saying I wouldn't get into his team, but it is about recognising who's had a good season.
"I don't think a lot of people agreed, but football is a game of opinions.
"I'm grateful we went out against Celtic and proved we're a good team with players who deserve to be where we are.
"What Neil said hasn't soured my nomination. I was very happy to be nominated and I've been playing consistently well.
"I just think some of the things said have been a bit uncalled for."
