Osieck backing for McDonald

Australia coach Holger Osieck believes Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald can break his international scoring drought in the Asian Cup.

McDonald was named in Osieck’s 23-man squad for January’s tournament and will have the chance to revitalise his international career, having been left out of predecessor Pim Verbeek’s World Cup squad.

After making his name in the Scottish Premier League during spells at Motherwell and Celtic, McDonald has found goals harder to come by since joining Championship strugglers Boro in February.

He has scored just eight times in 33 appearances since moving to the Riverside Stadium and is yet find the back of the net in 20 international caps for Australia.

But Osieck insists scoring is only part of the equation for the 27-year-old.

“I know it’s always the issue about his poor goal record but I think again we have to consider what kind of role does he play and up front. From my tactical set-up, he’s doing the right work,” Osieck said.

“He’s keeping defences busy, he’s creating gaps for other people to step in. For instance Tim (Cahill) – he’s going to benefit from it and therefore I think from the tactical point of view, it’s the right decision to have him included.”

Despite his faith in the diminutive forward, the coach was quick to remind that McDonald would not be a certain starter in the Socceroos’ opener against India on January 10.

“To have him included doesn’t say that he would play automatically, you have to consider that as well,” he said.

Osieck also lamented the fact he would be without veteran midfielder Vince Grella, who is still battling a groin complaint that has kept him out of Blackburn’s side since October.

“I was in Blackburn for instance, and I had a personal chat with Vince,” Osieck said.

“He’s not fit right now but he definitely will commit for the future and he seemed to be very keen on getting back to the team but right now he’s just training on the individual basis with the physio so he cannot be included.”