Morton manager Jim McInally today summed up his side's battling 2-2 draw with Gretna in one word - "character".

The Ton found themselves 2-0 down early in the second half of this Scottish Cup tie at Cappielow, but showed true grit as goals from Kevin Finlayson and Jim McAlister secured a 2-2 draw in the fourth-round match.

And a delighted Macca said: "I'm pleased for the boys. It takes some doing to come back against an SPL side as we did today. At half-time, I reminded the players of the Kilmarnock game last season - I hoped this would install some belief in the players.

"But after taking a sore one at Livingston last week and then going 2-0 down to an SPL side, it takes real strength of character to hang in there and then haul yourselves back into the tie. We showed plenty of character."

McInally took the bold decision to drop skipper Stewart Greacen and replace him with new signing Barry Smith and the Cappielow boss felt the former Dundee skipper added composure to his backline.

Macca said: "I thought Barry Smith's professionalism and composure shone through and gave us that bit extra poise on the ball. He kept his head and his reading of the game was superb."

Gretna manager Davie Irons believes his players reckoned victory was in the bag when they went two goals in front.

"We thought it was our day. We took our foot off the gas a wee bit and allowed Morton back in it. We had enough chances in the first half to finish the game but it didn't work out.

"Pure disappointment and real frustration was what it was. We had all the ingredients for a great cup tie. A lower league team versus an SPL team and from a neutral's point of view it was a great game.

"But it shouldn't have been like that. We should have killed the game, but full credit to Morton who did well, put us under pressure. It was a close call and we are still in the cup tie. We have to see if we can win the replay."

The replay will now be at Fir Park, on Tuesday, January 22.