Mark McGhee has revealed the reasons why he finally rejected the overtures of Hearts' owner Vladimir Romanov and believes Motherwell can make an impact on the European stage next season.

McGhee made an eleventh hour u-turn to remain at Fir Park and, after an impressive first season in the SPL, is targeting an extended UEFA Cup campaign next year.

"I want European football and I believe that the way we play at Motherwell may suit that stage," McGhee told the Sunday Herald.

It may have been so different had McGhee decided to join Hearts and the former Millwall boss confessed he had been looking forward to working with Romanov.

"He is passionate about his club and demands high standards of those working there. He requires that his manager communicates with him keeping him informed on all aspects of the team. That's all, and the person who realises that and is in a position to take the job will have a fantastic opportunity.

"Hearts are Scotland's third club and I believe if we finish above them next season then we will have finished at least third in the SPL.

"I made my decision to stick with Motherwell at the eleventh hour. I had my boarding pass in hand and was standing at gate 47 waiting to board an aircraft to Vilnius. It was then that it dawned on me that I was not ready to leave Motherwell.

"The Hearts job is one that I would liked to have taken, but I felt when it came down to the final decision that it was premature to leave and that I owed the players and supporters of Motherwell a bit more.

"Being settled at Motherwell will allow me to manage the work and family situation easier. This was also a factor in my decision.

"I am now looking forward with Motherwell supporters to an exciting season, including Uefa Cup football. It can't come quickly enough."