How far can Askou's 'extremely ambitious' Motherwell go?

"We're not just in it to get a sexy win somewhere, lean back and say, 'well done'. We're here to have a fantastic season."

Jens Berthel Askou and his side are well on their way to doing just that.

Saturday's comfortable win against St Mirren not only backed up the Steelman's "sexy" and deserved win against Celtic, but kept them within two points of Wilfried Nancy's frail side and Rangers, who are joint on points in second - albeit with a game in hand.

An impressive 11th clean sheet for the Scottish Premiership's best defence this season - who have only conceded one in their past nine - contributed to their cruise against the Buddies, who they wanted "revenge" against following the Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat in November.

Given the unprecedented and unpredictable nature of this season's captivating top flight, nothing appears outside the realms of possibility.

And though the Dane insisted Motherwell's potential involvement in a title race is "not the conversation we are having", it doesn't mean the rest of Scottish football cannot chat about their ever strengthening credentials.

Perhaps most telling of all, on a bitterly freezing afternoon against St Mirren, more than 7,000 supporters draped in claret and amber turned out.

They know these are the days of their dreams.

Smiles from Tuesday's wiping of the floor with Celtic were still ear-to-ear as positive punters pitched up at Fir Park, but many knew their grins would quickly be gone if the visitors from Paisley were not seen to.

Pre-match, the steady Askou refused to get caught up in the plentiful plaudits his side have been paid in the recent days and instead focused on the threat of St Mirren, highlighting how they outdid them at Hampden two months ago.

In truth, his worries never appeared to be realised.

Though the visitors started on the front foot, their few flurries forward were fruitless with Well's backline unbothered as they cruised to their seventh straight home clean sheet.

And not for the first time this season, as soon as Motherwell settled, they were never troubled.

"I have to give all the credit to the players out there," Askou told BBC Scotland post-match.

"We've had some trouble with St Mirren so it was a sweet feeling to get our revenge.

"They produced a lot of great moments, two beautiful goals and chances for more while we were extremely focused in defence, won a lot of duels and second balls in some critical areas."

Traits that are becoming increasingly synonymous with the well-oiled Motherwell machine.

Such is the quality spread throughout the team, it's unfair to single out players, but having won back possession nine times each, Stephen O'Donnell and second goal scorer Elliot Watt deserve mention.

It's arguable the latter typifies this tenacious team more than anyone else. But then Elijah Just, Paul McGinn and a few others might want a word.

Just, who provided his fourth assist of the season, had 10 touches in the Buddies box, as did the lively Ibrahim Said on an afternoon the home players looked like they didn't want to end, such was the enthusiasm in their play.

"The players are so eager to get out and play, they don't even think about whether it's been one week or two or three days ago," Askou added.

"They'll be a little bit irritated that they have to wait until next Saturday to play again."

A trip to Easter Road to take on equally buoyant Hibernian is in store next weekend, with David Gray's side just two points behind.

But, after that, a favourable run awaits with the visit of downbeat Kilmarnock (24 January) and trips to bottom side Livingston (31 January) and ninth-placed Dundee (4 February) to come before Rangers arrive on 11 February.

They've taken 22 points from their 11 games since the semi-final loss - including one against league leaders Hearts as well as all three against Celtic - but Askou is still reluctant to be reeled into title talk.

"We are extremely ambitious, we want to see how far we can take it, but right now after 21 games, we are in a position few expected," Askou admitted.

"I want us to stay in this position and who knows, maybe we can reach out for even more."

Should they adequately add to their impressive tally before welcoming Danny Rohl's Rangers side, then the manager might not be able to bat such suggestions away so easily.

Alan: Another scintillating performance from this ever improving team. Their quiet run up the league has been a joy to watch. Who knows where it might end but all the Motherwell staff should feel proud.

Robert: Another excellent performance. We are becoming better at converting chances and, up to now, our style is still causing teams problems. I like the manager's low-key approach. No fuss, and a real learning culture. Let's hope we continue in this vein of form for a long time to come!

Donald: It's a pleasure to watch this Motherwell team. For the first time in many years they are playing open expansive football, without fear. The best 'Well side since the '70s. Long may it continue!