Scott McDonald believes the "winning mentality" of Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink could earn him a new deal.
Celtic striker backs under-fire Dutchman
Scott McDonald believes the "winning mentality" of his strike partner Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink could earn him a renewed contract with Celtic.
The Dutchman ended a lengthy goal drought on Saturday, scoring for the first time since September in the 4-0 win over Hamilton.
Despite his lack of goals, the 30-year-old has contributed plenty towards other areas of the game.
And McDonald, along with boss Gordon Strachan, believe those contributions are enough to warrant a new contract at Celtic Park.
Experience
"You always want to keep good players, and experienced players," said McDonald.
"He has been in title-winning sides, not just at Celtic, but at PSV. He has got that winning mentality, which you need to have at a club like this.
"Even through the bad times he has been a fantastic character around the changing room. His confidence never leaves him and even if he is down, he doesn't show the rest of the players that's the case.
"That's the type of professional that he is, and that's the type of people you want around your dressing room.
"If you're asking if I want him here next year, and to have a partner like that, then of course I do, it would be a pleasure."
Ability
Strachan has urged the supporters to concentrate on the striker's ability in all areas of the game rather than his goal tally.
The Bhoys boss poured emphasis on the Dutchman's prolific career, in which he boasts four career titles, two of which are with the current SPL leaders.
"It's a fantastic record," said Strachan. "Other people might score more goals but he has got a lot of championship medals."
Vennegoor of Hesselink joined Georgios Samaras in ending a barren spell in front of goal against Hamilton, with the Greek striker netting a brace for the first time in 13 games.
Strachan admitted a massive difference in both players upon scoring, saying: "You can see they're a bit more relaxed and rightly so.
"The players are delighted for them because they have taken a bit of flak.
"We don't know if they are fully back at it yet. That's a start - they did their job the other day and they did it well."
