IAN BARACLOUGH has not given up hope of retaining Scott McDonald at Motherwell for the new Premiership campaign.

The striker returned to Fir Park in February and scored five goals in 13 games for the Steelmen as they avoided relegation to the Championship.

McDonald was crucial for Baraclough’s side as they retained their top-flight status with a play-off final win over Rangers, but he is now out of contract and free to speak to other clubs about a summer switch.

It would be a major boost for the Well boss if he could convince the Aussie star to sign on again in Lanarkshire and there remains a chance that McDonald could be in claret and amber next season.

Baraclough said: "You never know. It has given him a renewed taste for life in Scotland and he loves Motherwell.

"He came and helped the club achieve what we wanted to achieve and I think he really enjoyed his four or five months.

"You can tell he knows what the club is all about. It is one of those when you have an affinity with a club you don't want to break those ties so easily.

"He will have one or two opportunities I'm sure, whether it is just in this country, down in England or back in his homeland, but we are speaking to him."

If McDonald spurns the chance to sign on at Fir Park for the new season, it will leave Baraclough with another hole to fill in his squad as he looks to ensure Motherwell avoid another relegation battle next term.

Lee Erwin has quit the club to sign a deal with Leeds United, while John Sutton has opted to make the move to Premiership rivals St Johnstone.

Baraclough said: "John got offered a new deal and he's chosen to go to St Johnstone and he goes with our best wishes.

"He is a player we would have liked to re-engaged, but they have a choice at the end of their contracts and he decided to move on."