Le Tissier hails McDonald mindset

McDonald scored 31 goals in his first season at Celtic

Celtic striker Scott McDonald's confident approach has been hailed by Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier.

Speaking ahead of Claus Lundekvam's testimonial between the two clubs, Le Tissier praised the striker who was released by Southampton as a teenager.

McDonald ended his first season at Celtic as the country's top scorer following three years at Motherwell.

"He's done really well for himself and it will be good to see him again," Le Tissier told Celtic's website.

"I knew Scott when he was a young, cocky Australian trying to make his way."

"He never struggled in having confidence in his ability, he was a cocky young kid and with that kind of attitude, you thought he would make it.

"He's done brilliantly to work his way up the way he has and has got himself a cracking move.

"I saw he just signed a new contract in the summer as well, so I am chuffed to bits for him and I have so much respect for the way he has gone about it," he added.

The former England star also revealed that both he and Lundekvam were looking forward to reuniting with former Saints manager Gordon Strachan.

"It'll be a first for me and Claus himself, who really had his heart set on getting Celtic for his testimonial," he said.

"Gordon was his favourite manager and he really wanted to play against Celtic and have a special night for his last game.

"I had my last nine months as a pro under Gordon as well and I am just happy that I didn't have to endure one of his pre-seasons, which are quite legendary.

"But I enjoyed my last nine months at the club with him.

"That was probably Claus's best spell during his career and people have a lot of respect for what Gordon did in his time down here," added Le Tissier.