Scott McDonald has had no trouble finding the back of the net for Scottish powerhouse Celtic.
But he has had difficulty translating his form in the Scottish league — 16 goals this season — to the international arena for Australia.
It’s something he wants to rectify in tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan.
McDonald hasn’t scored in 10 appearances for Australia and his frustration mounted when he was an unused substitute in Australia’s scoreless draw with Japan in Yokohama last month.
“I’m here for a reason and I’ve proved over the last few years that I’ve played at the top level, whether that be playing for Celtic in the league or the Champions League — probably the biggest competition at the moment ... up there with the World Cup,” McDonald said yesterday.
McDonald admitted he was disappointed at being left on the bench against Japan, but accepted it was the right decision by coach Pim Verbeek with Australia clinching a valuable point.
The Scottish media was highly critical of Verbeek’s decision to fly McDonald to Japan for the Asian qualifier in the week leading up to an Old Firm derby match between Celtic and Glasgow rival Rangers, and then leave him on the bench.
But McDonald was more circumspect.
“When you’ve got such a big game coming up on the weekend, there’s going to be a fuss from the Scottish media if you’ve traveled all that way and not played,” McDonald said. “But I’m professional about it. I was disappointed I didn’t play but it’s a big thing playing for your country and that’s the sacrifice you have to make.”
McDonald is unsure if he will start against Uzbekistan tomorrow, but could be paired with Josh Kennedy if Verbeek opts for an attacking formation.
Japan leads Group A in the Asian qualifying tournament with 11 points, but has played five matches.
Australia, with three wins and a draw from their four matches for 10 points, can go a long way toward clinching a berth in South Africa next year with a win over Uzbekistan.
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