Malpas hails McDonald's attitude

Malpas said his side scored their goals at the right time

Motherwell manager Maurice Malpas praised Scott McDonald for his performance in the 2-0 Scottish Cup win against Morton at Fir Park.

McDonald was left frustrated after Well rejected a transfer deadline day bid from Rangers, but Malpas said the striker had responded well.

"Scott has had a hard three days but he stood up and was counted," said Malpas.

"He ran out of steam at the end - the emotional turmoil caught up with him. Our fans have been great to him."

Malpas said his scored their two goals "at the right time" against Morton.

"I don't think we played particularly well, in fact we were disappointing in possession. But I'm just delighted to get through," he added.

"We were never going to get plaudits for how we played. But we defended very well, I don't think Graeme Smith had a save to make."

Morton boss Jim McInally praised the Greenock side's large travelling support.

"The fans are brilliant, they always surprise you the number that turn up," he said.

"I don't think we let them down as far as effort and commitment go. I thought we were punished for a couple of mistakes.

"We could have scored both times that Motherwell scored. McDonald is clinical and Kerr has had a great strike."