MY TEAM-MATE’S SCOTT THE LOT, SAYS PEARSON
DESPITE similar career paths, it took a long time before Stephen Pearson and Scott McDonald actually shared the same dressing room. As far as Pearson is concerned, it has been worth the wait. The two experienced heads helped rescue Motherwell from the drop in last season’s relegation play-off win over Rangers. Now the midfielder views McDonald as central to a revival under Mark McGhee that may banish any prospect of repeating that stress. The Australian striker began his first spell at Motherwell in January 2004, just as Pearson was moving to Celtic. The Scot then transferred to Derby six months before McDonald followed his route to Parkhead in the summer of 2007. Now, however, they seem to be very much working in harmony. McDonald’s pass set up Pearson to net the clincher in Wednesday night’s 2-0 success over St Johnstone. That was Motherwell’s third straight Premiership win, lifting them to within a point of the top six. ‘Scotty was different class on Wednesday night,’ insisted Pearson. ‘He was unlucky not to get a goal himself, so hopefully he can get one on Saturday (against Hamilton). ‘He is a good player. He’s clever and he understands the game well. He’s also a great foil for Louis Moult. ‘We never overlapped at Motherwell first time because I left as Scotty came — and then it was the same at Celtic because I left before he joined. But he’s great to play with because he understands the game. ‘He gave me a great ball for my goal the other night. I should have scored with the first chance, but I’m just delighted I managed to finish and we got three points in a tough fixture.’ Goalkeeper Connor Ripley was another key performer for McGhee’s side, producing a trio of saves to help end Saints’ seven-match winning run on the road. McGhee has confirmed the 22-year-old will stay on loan from Middlesbrough for the remainder of the season, with clubs currently concluding the paperwork. ‘Connor was outstanding,’ reflected Pearson. ‘He made a few great saves and we’re delighted with that. ‘He made one at 1-0 and then again from a header when we were two up, so he has kept us in the game. ‘He has done well since coming up here and it’s great he’s here for the rest of the season. He’s a big lad with a good presence and a great shot stopper.’