Jimmy Calderwood has been known to sound the bugles in search of a victory and he will not be afraid of calling for a cavalry charge in the chase for three points at Fir Park today.

Nothing short of a win will be good enough for Aberdeen to retain a slim hope of a third-place finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and with it a potentially lucrative run in next season's UEFA Cup.

Calderwood said: "It's straightforward for us; we've got to win. Sometimes, if needs must, you have to bring out the bugles. I hope we don't have to. If we do, it's because we'll have to give it our best shot.

"There is more pressure on them Motherwell because they are the big favourites for the third place. Even if we win they'll still be favourites, because they have a game in hand. But we've beaten Hibs and Dundee United, the other contenders for the spot, so it would be nice to go for the hat trick and keep things exciting.

"I think Mark McGhee has said they are just one victory away from achieving that and they will want that put to bed. They've been talking about the Aberdeen game for a long time.

"A draw would suit them more than us. We would be out of the equation because of our goals-against record."

Jeffery de Visscher, the Pittodrie side's bustling winger, concurs with his manager. The Dutchman believes that their European goal is achievable but accepts today's encounter is Aberdeen's last chance.

The defeat by Queen of the South in the Scottish Cup semi-final still rankles with him, especially as a win there would have assured Abedeen of European football next term.

"It was a great experience for us being involved in the UEFA Cup this season," de Visscher said, "and having tasted it, we want it again, all of us, players, club staff and fans."

De Visscher, unhappy with his form since moving to the north east almost a year ago, plans to spend his holidays gearing up for next season.

"My first season here has been frustrating," he added.

"It isn't what I expected, because every time I came into the team I got injured "I aim to show better form next season once I get my fitness levels up during the holiday period."