Brisbane Roar have received a huge boost on the eve of their clash with Wellington Phoenix on Saturday with confirmation they have signed ex-Socceroo striker Scott McDonald.
McDonald joins Roar after being released by Hyundai A-League newcomers Western United FC, who he joined at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.
The 36-year-old was a key recruit for United in the off-season, making nine appearances as they made a superb start to life in the Hyundai A-League.
He scored one goal – the winner against Melbourne Victory in Round 4 – while also assisting another.
But McDonald, who also had lengthy stints with Motherwell and Celtic in Scotland, wanted a new challenge and has found that under Robbie Fowler at Roar.
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“I’m delighted to sign on here at Brisbane Roar and I just can’t wait to get back out on the pitch,” McDonald told the club’s official website.
“It [Brisbane] was always a place that I enjoyed coming to and somewhere I wanted to see more of – thankfully I now get the chance.
“More than anything, I’m just looking forward to getting out there and showing the Brisbane Roar fans what I can do.
“I want to win and hopefully I can be a really influence on the younger boys – that’s what I strived to do at previous clubs and it’s something I really enjoy.
“The club has a great history and hopefully we can bring a little bit of that success back. I really believe under Robbie [Fowler] that good things will happen and I’m looking forward to making that happen.”
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Welcome to Brisbane Roar, @ScottyMcD83!
➡️ https://t.co/426eETL3R3#RoarAsOne pic.twitter.com/X2ZxIqrlap
— Brisbane Roar FC (@brisbaneroar) January 17, 2020
McDonald played 26 times for the Socceroos – including the 2011 AFC Asian Cup – while he also spent time in the Premier League with Middlesbrough.
He joins a Roar side that has gone unbeaten in their last three matches to sit in ninth spot, two points outside the top six.
“Scott’s record speaks for itself – he’s had a tremendous and successful career at some big clubs, in top leagues, and with the national team,” Fowler said.
“He certainly brings with him a wealth of experience which can only be beneficial for his teammates, especially our young, up-and-coming players who I’m sure will be able to learn plenty from him.”
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Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix
Saturday, 18 January 2020
Suncorp Stadium
Kick off: 4pm local, 5pm AEDT
Broadcast: ABC TV, FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports, ABC iView
