Let me be Wizard of Oz in another derby
SCOTT McDONALD will never forget being a derby-day hero at Ibrox – now he wants the same with Dundee United.
The Australian’s thunderous volley past Rangers keeper Allan McGregor sent Celtic seven points clear at the SPL summit in the final few days of 2008.
McDonald scored four goals in 10 Old Firm derbies but his winner in that 1-0 triumph still stands out.
And the 33-year-old is desperate for a repeat of his away-day derby delight when the Terrors make the short trip to Dens Park for tonight’s Betfred Cup last-16 tie. The United summer signing said: “They’re all good memories. Scoring when you’re away from home is always a big one when it’s a local derby.
“I managed to score a winner at Ibrox – that was something else.
“These are such big occasions so that’s one which obviously sticks in my memory, hitting the target at the home of your biggest rivals. I’ll get that chance hopefully again on Wednesday night to do something similar.”
The striker lapped up the atmosphere after coming off the bench when United won last month’s group clash at Dens on penalties. And McDonald, who is in line to start, added: ““It opened my eyes. You can watch from afar but until you’re involved in it and realise how big a city this is and how passionate it is, it’s just fantastic to be a part of.
“It’s two big teams. No matter if it was just penalties you won on, the bragging rights are a massive thing.
“You have to be aware of what’s going on around you. I almost got caught out by a Dundee fan after the game wanting a picture with me but a few people set me right about that! I had to remember I’m not at Motherwell any more. But it’s all good banter.”