Mcdonald to ‘lead from front’ after signing up for season at Tannadice
Scott Mcdonald last night stayed in Scotland by joining Dundee United, pledging to play a pivotal role in leading them back to the Premiership.
The former Australian international jumped at the chance of a one-year deal with Ray Mckinnon’s side having left his beloved Motherwell in the summer in the hope of moving back to his homeland. Mcdonald, who won 26 caps for his country, admits his switch to the Tangerines has given him a new lease of life. He turned down a moneyspinning offer in England as well as two Premiership clubs in Scotland on hearing Mckinnon’s plans to make United a force again.
And the former Celtic star, who could play a part in Sunday’s derby with Dundee in the Betfred Cup, has promised to lead from the front in their promotion quest.
“It had to be something to
0 Leader: Scott Mcdonald get the juices flowing,” smiled Mcdonald.
“I had a great time at Motherwell but I needed something to challenge me. The challenge here is to win something. That will bring out the best in me.”
Mcdonald rejected the chance to go to Hibs last season prior to the Easter Road side romping to promotion, and the prospect of winning a title this time round appealed more than another relegation dogfight.
He added: “If people want to question why I’ve come down a division then fine. But I know why I’ve done it.
“There was the possibility of me going to Hibs last year and I turned that down – rightly or wrongly.
“Winning something is very appealing. Fighting to avoid relegation at Motherwell last season wasn’t enjoyable.
“There’s no question we’re going to be favourites for the Championship and it’s up to us to handle that and make sure we hit the ground running.
“We’ve got a Premiership side here and it’s up to us to grab the league by the scruff of the neck and hopefully I can play a big part.” Wayne Rooney is looking forward to fulfilling a lifelong dream by making his European debut for Everton tomorrow.
The 31-year-old has won thechampionsleagueand Europa League, as well as five Premier League titles, with Manchester United, but the visit of Slovakian side MFK Ruzomberok to Goodison Park is getting him excited.
It may only be a Europa League third-round qualifier, but boyhood Evertonian Rooney, who left the club in 2004 three years before their return to continental competition, is relishing the occasion.
“Something I always wanted to do was play in Europe with Everton,” said the Toffees academy graduate, who has impressed in two pre-season friendlies against Kenyan champions Gor Mahia, in which he scored, and the 1-1 draw at KRC Genk on Saturday.
“I was a bit disappointed not to do that before but now I’ll have a chance. Obviously I won the trophy last year so I’m hoping as a club we can go far and, you never know, try to win it. It would be even better.
“The first game back will be an emotional day for me and I’m looking forward to it. Overall, I’m looking forward to the season, hopefully getting back playing regularly and trying to help this club move forward.”
Rooney briefly returned to Goodison for Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial in 2015 but his last appearance on his ‘home’ ground for Everton was against Bolton in May 2004.
“You always get that feeling when you’re walking out the tunnel so to actually do it again in an Everton shirt will be a special moment for me,” he told evertonfc.com.
“It’s always been a special place to come and play, even when I’ve been on the opposing side.
“It’s been a positive start back here. It’s great that we got so many players in early as we’ve been able to work together for nearly a month before the first game, get to know each other and how everyone plays.
“It’s great to see and great to be a part of.”