The Scotland Under 21 international steered in Steven Fletcher's cushioned header with three minutes to play to snatch a 3-3 draw at Manchester City.

It was his first goal since his brace sent Arsenal packing in the Carling Cup at Turf Moor last December, and after a series of impressive cameo appearances of late, McDonald, who celebrated his 21st birthday last Wednesday, hopes to be given his big chance in the best league in the world.

The former Dundee midfielder came on against Blackburn and had a hand in Chris Eagles' consolation goal, while he was involved in the build-up to Graham Alexander's second against Hull.

This latest contribution will do his case no harm at all, and he said: "I've not started this season yet, but I can't complain, the team's been doing well and everyone in their positions.

"All I can do is come on and try my best, give what I can give, and if I get a goal at the end of it, then obviously that's an added bonus.
"Last year in the Championship I came here to get a few games.
"I never got as much as I'd like, but that's football.

"You've just to take your chance when it comes, that's what it's all about."

McDonald's confidence and fearlessness shone out again against elite players, and he gave an insight into how to prepare mentally for such tests: "At the end of the day, we're all human beings, whether you cost £60million or whatever.

"Some players in our dressing room are unbelievable, like Graham Alexander and Robbie Blake. They're 38 and 33 and still playing.

"Against players who cost £60million, it's unbelievable that they're still playing at that level.

"Everyone would like to have as much money as City, and if you did you'd buy the top players.

"That's the bonus they've got. But we've got a good team spirit and a great togetherness.
"We're doing well enough for the money we've got!"

McDonald linked up with Scotland Under 21s on Sunday for their European Championship qualifier in Azerbaijan on Saturday, but he looked back on a week that also saw him come of age.

McDonald added: "It was good. I had friends down so it was good to celebrate with them and all of the fans.
"I turned 21 on Wednesday and scoring a goal here - it's amazing.

"I had a meal on Tuesday with my family and my grans. It was good to see them.
"It's just my brother and my friends who were down for the game.

"They were up in the stands and I saw them when I scored. I gave them a wee wave!
"It feels amazing for myself to get a goal and a point away from home - it's a big relief and hopefully we can kick on."

McDonald feels the result can give the side a massive lift when they return to action a week on Saturday at home to Aston Villa.

He said: "Coming to play here in front of 50,000, or whatever it is, and getting a point is unbelievable.
"We've done everything that we can do.

"Playing against these teams it's going to be hard.
"We knew the first away point was going to come some time, and here it is, so hopefully we can relax maybe a wee bit more away from home and pick up more points.

"Before the international break you couldn't ask for a better time."