Dundee United announce signing of former Celtic forward Scott McDonald

DUNDEE UNITED have announced the signing of former Celtic forward Scott McDonald.

McDonald called time on his second Motherwell stint this summer and was expected to return home to his native Australia.

But when that move fell through, United boss Ray McKinnon swooped to offer the 33-year-old a one-year deal.

“I am delighted to sign for United,” said McDonald.

“I want to help this club secure promotion into the Ladbrokes Premiership. After I came up and looked around St Andrews and spoke to the manager, it was an easy decision.

“I had options in the Premiership and down south, but I believe that I can achieve success here.

“Being successful and enjoying my football is important to me and that means winning the Championship this season is the aim.”

McDonald started his career in the UK with Southampton but had to wait for his 2004 move to Motherwell to make his breakthrough.

His most productive period came during his three-year stay at Parkhead, where he hit 64 goals in 128 appearances as well as helping the Hoops to the 2007/08 Scottish Premier League title.

After five years down south with Middlesbrough and Millwall, he returned to Motherwell in 2015, extending his Steelmen record to 75 goals in 219 appearances.

Now McKinnon hopes the big-game experience of a player capped 26 times by the Socceroos can help United’s promotion bid.

The Tannadice boss said: “This is 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.”