And the Warrington-born forward described his strike, which sealed a 3-1 win at St Johnstone on Wednesday, as "the biggest moment of my career so far".

After breaking through from the youth team into the reserves last season, MacDonald ended the campaign with run-outs in the Championship against Cardiff and Crystal Palace, earning an assist for Clarke Carlisle's goal against the Bluebirds.

He was subsequently named Youth Team Player of the Year, earning his first professional contract, and he has continued to progress through pre-season.

The determined youngster shone at Partick Thistle in a wide role, and, two days later at McDiarmid Park, he produced a classic striker's finish, cooly placing the ball inside the near post from Steve Jones' pull back.

Beaming after the game, he said: "I'm still buzzing about it now really. It was nice to get my first goal for the youth team, but a first first team goal is just something special.

"To hear the crowd roar when I scored was brilliant.

"My dad and little brother were up there as well, so it was a proud moment for me.

"I thanked Jonah at the end for the ball in, and he was made up as well, all the lads have been really made up for me."

Electric pace and a great desire marked MacDonald out as a potential star of the future, and his promise has raised eyebrows north of the border, having pledged his allegiance to Scotland, as his father is from Glasgow.

Former Aberdeen and Celtic midfielder Billy Stark, who oversees the Scotland youth teams, is aware of his potential, and, as Owen Coyle said: "His father's Scottish and, I'm not speaking out of turn, Billy Stark has already looked at him, and he's still eligible for the Under 19s.

"He's been doing very well and I made Billy aware of him last year and they've been following his progress."

Nothing would make MacDonald prouder, although he takes talk of international honours in his stride: "To be honest, I don't know if anyone has been watching me from Scotland, but at the dinner table the other day, the gaffer said he would try and get me a cap.

"I take it with a pinch of salt at the minute, but if the moment does arrive, I'll definitely grab it with both hands.

"My dad's Scottish, and I'd definitely take the chance to do him proud if that came around."

In the meantime, he is just concentrating on continuing his development at Turf Moor, having revelled in training and playing with the first team.

MacDonald is still pinching himself, and said: "It's all happening so fast, really, it's surreal still at the minute, just being in and around the lads.

"It's not hit home yet that I'm with them, but the tours have been first class and all the lads have been brilliant.

"It's been a great experience.

"I've just carried on working hard and putting the effort in, and hopefully the rewards will come.

"I can't wait for the season to get started really, and just start playing in the reserves again, and see what happens."