McDonald plans to drive United to title

McKinnon and Flood unite to persuade Australian to sign deal

Dundee United have succeeded where Hibs failed last year in luring Scott McDonald out of the Premiership.

The former Celtic and Motherwell striker has revealed he would rather be chasing silverware with the Tangerines than battling to survive in the top flight – and he is confident his goals will help clinch the Championship title for the Tannadice club.

The persuasive powers of manager Ray McKinnon and former team-mate Willo Flood have helped convince the 33-year-old Australia international to sign a one-year deal, 13 years after he had a trial with United.

“Willo Flood has been pestering the life out of me,” McDonald said.

“We were at Celtic and Middlesbrough together and the gaffer had been trying to get in contact for a while but he had the wrong number! We got together at the weekend and I was really impressed with where the club wants to be.”

Scott McDonald is the penalty box predator Ray McKinnon has been missing.

The Dundee United boss couldn’t keep the smile off his face at snapping up the in-demand former Celtic and Motherwell striker, whose goals and experience will be vital for the Tangerines in their bid to win promotion to the Premiership.

“We’re really happy with that one,” said McKinnon of the latest Tannadice newcomer, who has scored more than 185 career goals and been capped 26 times for Australia.

“He’s turned down two Premiership teams and a big offer in England to come and play for us, so we’re delighted. He’s had two really good offers and a big offer in England, but he’s come here.

“We’re delighted. He’s experienced, he’ll take that ball in the box and hold people off, he scores lots of goals and that was proven when he scored lots of goals last season.

“Scott and James Keatings will be a great partnership, and I’m really excited.

“We needed someone to be that penalty box predator and that is him. He’s scored goals inside that box and that is what we’re needing.”

McKinnon is happy that his new-look team now has an “edge” to it.

He said: “We’ve got a lot of young players in the team and he’s got a bit of an edge to him, like Tam Scobbie.

“The young boys need someone to lead them and drag them. It can’t come from me all the time.

“So, with him, Scobbie and Willo through the team we’re looking good.

“It’s a great signing for us. Scott is an experienced player who has played at the top level.

“His ability will enhance the team and his personality will impact in the dressing room also.

“He adds to our attacking options and the desire he showed to come to United ahead of other options tells me everything about his character.

“He is a winner and wants to help us win the title this season.”

Picture: Dundee United. Scott McDonald is unveiled as a United player yesterday – 13 years after first having a trial at Tannadice.

Ray McKinnon is happy his new-look team has ‘an edge to it.’