Scott can lead survival fight
Baraclough believes in his skills
THE first time Scott McDonald caught Ian Baraclough’s eye, he was firing in the goal that sent the Englishman’s Scunthorpe s i de deeper i nt o t he relegation mire.
Six years later, Baraclough finds himself still battling the drop, this time having swapped Glanford Park for Fir Park as manager of struggling Motherwell.
At least Baraclough is happy to report that something else remains the same, namely the little Australian’s reputation as a matchwinner. And he firmly believes the former Celtic, Middlesbrough and Millwall forward, who has joined the Lanarkshire side for a second spell until the end of the season, can shoot them out of the danger zone.
‘ I know what Scott can do,’ smiled Baraclough. ‘I remember being manager of Scunthorpe when we played Middlesbrough home and away in the English Championship. In our home game (in November 2009), he scored in a 2-0 win.
‘I’d been aware of Scott before that. But there was never a chance of me getting a player like that to Scunthorpe. But I’ve followed Scott’s career since that day — and I jumped at the chance to sign him.’
McDonald was jettisoned by Millwall after scoring just six goals in 59 appearances. In his defence, however, his low-scoring rate was mainly down to not being played as a striker for the past two years.
But Baraclough is sure he has signed a high- calibre player who can help Motherwell end an abject series of seven defeats and a draw in their last eight games.
Motherwell will certainly have their work cut out today at home to an Inverness Caley Thistle side unbeaten in their last 10 outings since l osing 1- 0 at home to Aberdeen on December 28.
The hosts by contrast, can’t buy a win this year. But Baraclough believes the arrival of McDonald will help his players improve and also ease the tensions that have been gradually building with each successive setback.
He said: ‘I thought Scott was a great signing for Millwall. People may say he wasn’t as successful as he could have been in terms of goals.
‘But he’s a great character to have around the dressing room. He will put an arm round younger players and help them develop. He’s got great experience but he’s not over the hill by any means. That experience will help our younger players.
‘He’s keen to help our predicament and ensure we are still a Scottish Premiership club next season.
‘Fans just want to see teams winning games. They’ve been used to that for a few seasons but it’s not been like that pretty much from day one this campaign.
‘But we’ve got 12 games to make sure we are still in this league next season. And, hopefully, Scott will help the rest of the players make that happen.’
Despite being the focus of fan frustration at the end of l ast week’s home defeat by Dundee, Baraclough looked relaxed as he prepared f or today’s visit of on-form Caley Thistle. But does he feel under pressure after those eight winless games?
‘It’s a challenge,’ he nodded. ‘I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. When we won the first two games (under his stewardship), there were certain deficiencies there.
‘The squad wasn’t the size it is now. There wasn’t competition for places and I knew the type of people we needed to bring in. We’ve done that now. It’s about getting them integrated for that push towards safety.’
Baraclough will be without midfielder Stephen Pearson, who broke a rib after colliding with an advertising board against Dundee United.
Also out injured are veteran full-back Steven Hammell and fellow defender Craig Reid, and Baraclough insisted that Reid’s absence was not related to the player having been charged with an alleged assault in December.
‘ Craig’s got an i njury at the moment,’ said the 44-year-old. ‘I’m not going to comment on what’s come to light but it’s something I’ve discussed with him. It’s my job to support him and make sure we do what’s right.’