Scott McDonald has targeted a top-six finish for Motherwell as he aims to create more special memories at Fir Park.

The Australian has signed a one-year contract with the option of a second deal after deciding to extend his second spell with the Lanarkshire club, where his career initially took off.

The striker returned in February after almost eight years away in a bid to rescue Motherwell's Ladbrokes Premiership status.

And, after helping them beat Rangers 6-1 in the play-offs, the 31-year-old felt Fir Park was the perfect venue to continue his career despite receiving more lucrative offers from abroad.

The former Celtic, Middlesbrough and Millwall striker told the club's website: "The warmth I feel at this football club and what it gives me, and vice-versa, what I have given the club, it's been nothing but good memories and good times. I'm hoping for a few more of them as well.

"It's a family-oriented club and my family is ever-growing, with a new arrival on the way, so a lot of that was taken into consideration, and where we would be happy as a family and where I would be happiest playing my football, and to get the best out of me."

McDonald netted five goals in 13 games after re-joining Motherwell in February and was a major influence in a deeper position during the two-leg finale to the season.

"I really enjoyed the end of last season and am hoping for some more success here," he said.

"We're looking for a top-six finish. It has to be. I haven't come here just to make up the numbers. We want to push back up the table where Motherwell were in previous seasons.

"We certainly don't want another season like last year and I don't think we will. The manager and staff had a big influence in me coming back here. I really enjoyed working with them and long may that continue."

McDonald added: "The whole club has been really kind and generous to me, and patient through this time. Obviously they would have liked me in a bit earlier and I would have liked to have been in a little bit earlier, too.

"But circumstances aren't always that easy. I had a few family things to deal with as well. It's taken a little bit longer than both parties would have wanted, but I'm here now and that's the main thing."

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough said: "The squad in general is really taking shape now albeit we're still in the market for both a goalkeeper and a centre midfielder, which we hope to tie up shortly."