McDonald aims for elusive goal

Scott McDonald will prove the man in the spotlight when the Socceroos open their Asian Cup campaign against India on Monday.

The Middlesbrough striker is still hunting for a debut international goal and knows he won’t get a better chance to finally break his duck when Australia plays the tournament outsiders in Qatar.

“I hope so, I certainly hope so,” McDonald replied to the question about whether he would finally open his account against the Indians.

“I’m confident no matter what, it’s nice I have the backing (of coach Holger Osieck), so I’ve got to try and repay that.”

After struggling to make an impact under Pim Verbeek, McDonald has enjoyed the faith shown by Osieck, who has started him in four of his five games in charge.

Osieck is a firm believer that McDonald’s creativity is just as important as scoring goals, but the former Celtic man knows that the monkey will only get off his back when he hits the back of the net.

“Hopefully I can be successful in this tournament because this is when it counts,” McDonald said.

India, who conceded 14 goals in its past two outings before the Asian Cup, are despised outsiders and many are tipping the Socceroos to rack up a cricket score.

McDonald shared the view expressed by his captain Lucas Neill that any win, no matter what the margin, would do.

“We can’t take any team lightly – we saw last time every team is a threat. If we can get the three points it will set us off well.”