Motherwell manager Mark McGhee believes targeting big striker Chris Porter with long balls will solve the problem of how to play on the "diabolical" Fir Park pitch.

The policy goes against McGhee's desire to see Motherwell succeed by playing an attractive game but it seems likely to be repeated in Wednesday's clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Heavy rain in Lanarkshire and trouble with the drainage system at Fir Park meant parts of Motherwell's pitch needed to be dug up for urgent repair work earlier this month.

Porter played a key role in Saturday's 3-1 win against Gretna - Motherwell's tenants, who were officially the home side - scoring once and giving a strong performance alongside two-goal Ross McCormack.

Former Oldham man Porter arrived on a 'Bosman' free transfer last summer and the 6ft 1in striker already has 12 goals for Motherwell, making him the club's leading scorer.

McGhee sees him as a major asset, saying after the Gretna game: "The pitch is diabolical, and it causes us as much problems as it does anyone else. This led to mistakes being made out there by both teams.

"Porter is an outlet, you can take a much more aerial route with him and he wins the ball and keeps it for us. He is very important to us at the moment."

McCormack is poised to leave in the summer, with Wigan his likely destination, and Porter is convinced the 21-year-old can be a big hit in England.

"He has just been ignoring the headlines and getting on with things as normal," said Porter.

"I have never played in the Premiership [Barclays Premier League] myself, but I know he is a good player at this level and I think he could do well wherever he goes."

Gretna, meanwhile, are expected to complain about referee Alan Freeland to the Scottish Football Association this week.

Gretna manager Davie Irons was frustrated with Freeland's performance, saying: "Call me biased or say I'm watching the game through black-and-white glasses, but as far as I'm concerned, when it came to the big decisions that influence games he didn't make the right decisions.

"I asked to speak to him and he has refused, so what chance do you have?

"After the game I knocked on the door and he said, 'Come back in 10 minutes'.

"I went back and he said, 'I'm busy', and shut the door. It's frustrating and I'll be asking the SFA about it."

Motherwell went third in the table with their win, climbing above Dundee United, who surprisingly started their match at Inverness with key forward Noel Hunt on the bench.

Hunt came on to set up United's goal for Prince Buaben in the 1-1 draw, and stressed he was happy to be named a substitute by manager Craig Levein.

He explained: "The gaffer said he was going to rest a few players and this is the first season I have played through the Christmas period in a long time.

"It has been a long season for me so far. With the way the team is playing, you don't want to be the one that is tired and letting the side down."

Falkirk's Scotland Under-21 midfielder Scott Arfield was delighted with his double in the 4-0 home win over St Mirren.

The 19-year-old scored the first two goals of the game, with the second going in after a mistake from his former team-mate Mark Howard, who was making his first league start in the St Mirren goal.

Howard let Arfield's shot squirm past him, and then gifted Falkirk's third goal to Patrick Cregg shortly afterwards.

Arfield said: "I played a couple of reserve games with Mark when he was here and he made a mistake for my goal, but I'm sure he'll get over it. I've a wee bit of sympathy for him.

"I see myself as an attacking midfielder and goals is one thing I know I need to improve on. Obviously, getting two helps my confidence."

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