The Well manager accused his players of lacking desire and of producing the worst display of his reign following the 2-1 defeat by Rangers on Sunday.

Porter, who has yet to score this season, did not escape McGhee's wrath and he admits the manager was right to lay into his troops.

But he is sure McGhee's comments can spark them into life in the Co-operative Insurance Cup third-round derby at Fir Park on Wednesday night.

"He was critical, but I think he was right to be," said Porter. "I think there are players that aren't playing at their best and that is costing us results. "I don't think Rangers played particularly well and the chance was there to beat them.

"Hopefully it will have the desired effect, make the players more determined to do better.

"It's a massive game. It's a cup game, it's a derby, so the determination would have been there anyway. Maybe even more so now.

"And it's very important considering last year we didn't do so well in the cups."

Motherwell have won only one game in seven this season and are looking for their first triumph at Fir Park.

But, having played the six biggest teams in the SPL, Porter is optimistic they can kick-start their season against their near neighbours.

"I don't think we have got going yet," the 24-year-old said. "I think that will come in time and that time will soon be here. This is the perfect opportunity to start that run."

The former Oldham and Bury forward, who scored 18 goals last term, is not assured of his starting place, though, as McGhee has pledged to bring in Jamie Murphy to a front three that also usually features John Sutton and David Clarkson.

The teenager was Motherwell's brightest spark at Ibrox after coming on during the second half, using his pace and skill to give Rangers left-back Kirk Broadfoot some uncomfortable moments.

McGhee said: "He has been chomping at the bit and been close to starting but the other three have done all right and we have wanted to stick with them. Now we have got to give Jamie a bit of a game.

"We will pick our strongest team to win the game, whether that involves changes or not. It will certainly involve one because Jamie Murphy will play."