SCOTT McDONALD is used to sharing a dressing room and a TV studio with Pat Nevin.

But the Motherwell striker isn’t ready to underestimate Dundee this afternoon despite his fellow Sportscene pundit’s war of words with Dens boss Paul Hartley.

Nevin irked the former Celtic man when he criticised the Tayside club’s defending during their 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen last Friday, prompting Hartley to blast back.

Some may think that McDonald would take encouragement from the ex-Chelsea man’s words, but the Aussie forward is not ready to take the prospect of Well earning three points lightly.

“I didn’t see Pat’s analysis after the Aberdeen game,” he said. “It was only a one goal defeat so I’m not sure how much he would have had to talk about.

“Look, they are a threat going forward especially. Hemmings is in very good form and we all know about Stewart. Gary Harkins is now playing a pivotal role for them as captain.

“It’s been a clever move by Paul – bringing him in and making him basically the leader. He seems to be thriving off that.

“They are a huge threat – they’ve got my old mate Darren back in there as well. It might have taken him a couple of games but he’ll be up to speed now.

“They are a good side. They’ve proved their qualities at times by picking themselves up after a couple of bad ones.

“It’s going to be a tough game.”

McDonald added: “I haven’t seen Paul’s comments but I’m sure it was tongue in cheek.

“I don’t think he’ll be going to bed at night worrying about what Pat has said about his team.

“He’ll focus on his team and maybe they can prove Pat wrong.”

The Australian is looking forward to seeing a familiar face when he takes to the pitch at Dens Park this afternoon.

During his time at Celtic, McDonald become firm friends with Republic of Ireland defender Darren O’Dea, who has recently returned to Scotland to sign for Dundee.

It will offer the pair a chance to go for a drink after the match, although the Motherwell man joked the date could be cancelled if the result doesn’t go his way.

“The babysitter could disappear very quickly depending on who loses,” said McDonald.

“I asked him if he was fit first and foremost and then added ‘are you ready for a kicking match?’

“I’m sure he’ll have plenty to say because he gets white line fever.

“Off the park he’s a different animal – he’s a good lad.

“He’s been a good signing after James McPake’s terrible injury. They lost a leader but then gained one in Darren so it’s been a good bit of business.”

Reflecting on Motherwell losing two games on the bounce, McDonald admits he is keen to kick on and regain the form that looked to turn the club’s season around through December.

He said: “We’re certainly not talking about relegation. We’re trying to look up and are obviously trying to drag Dundee back towards us.

“They [Dundee] are a team we should look at for inspiration. They’ve had downs this year but always seem to pick themselves up and go again and get that next result after a couple of bad ones.

“We’re looking to try and do the same sort of thing. We’ve had a couple of bad ones and now need to get back to winning ways.”