McGhee was thwarted in Michael Higdon bid

Michael Higdon won the SPL Golden Boot award as a Motherwell player three years ago (Pic by Alan Watson)

McGhee was looking at a sensational return for the 32-year-old hitman – who scored 40 goals for ’Well between 2011 and 2013 – but couldn’t sign him as he’s played for two English clubs (Sheffield United and Oldham) this season.

“We don’t have a big target man striker like John Sutton so we were interested in signing someone like that,” McGhee said.

“Michael has those qualities, but he has played for too many clubs this season so I can’t sign him.

“Scottish clubs are prohibited from signing anyone who’s played for more than one club in a campaign.”

McGhee said that he’d also tried to sign Nigerian striker Edward Ofere. But ’Well couldn’t afford the player’s personal terms and he went to Dundee United.

Meanwhile, McGhee said he “didn’t care” that ’Well fans were upset about him not starting top scorer Louis Moult in Saturday’s cup loss.

“It’s my job to pick a team to try and win the game,” McGhee said. “Louis’s not been doing that well lately.

“I once played in an Aberdeen team that won 3-0 at Parkhead with Eric Black scoring a hat-trick. Alex Ferguson never even picked Eric for our next game!”