Motherwell manager Mark McGhee has set Louis Moult the target of reaching 20 goals by Christmas, despite conceding that it could lead to the striker leaving Fir Park.

The former Wrexham player netted all four goals in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over derby rivals Hamilton in his first start since undergoing a groin operation during the summer.

The 24-year-old has taken his tally for the campaign to seven from only four outings and McGhee believes the aim he has set is more than achievable.
But fresh from losing winger Marvin Johnson to Oxford United last month, Scotland coach McGhee admits hitting that target will undoubtedly earn the former Stoke City marksman more admirers.

McGhee said: “We’ll see if he can get 20 by Christmas, that would be a fantastic target although it will be difficult. 

“Moulty himself is saying that he feels better than he has, not only for months, but years. 

“He had a problem we sorted out. The procedure we had sorted it, he’s moving better, more fluently, although he’s still not as fit as he can be.

“Had he started the season he would already have had a couple more goals but I think he’s already got seven, which is excellent.

“Of course he will catch the eye but we will do everything we can to keep him.

“We know the situation we are in, we’re the type of club that if the right offer comes along, no player is ungettable.”