Hotshot McDonald won't sink in Parkhead's big pond

Come July, Scott McDonald must muscle his way to the front of a queue of Celtic strikers if he is to keep his career on an upturn.

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The current Motherwell player will be confident of succeeding after being named in the SPFA Team of the Year alongside the prolific Rangers striker Kris Boyd.

But, when he joins Gordon Strachan's squad in the summer, he may have to adjust to an alien set-up - the rotation system.

Present boss Maurice Malpas firmly believes McDonald, who scored and was sent off in last night's 4-1 defeat against Dunfermline, can win his battles inside Parkhead.

Having watched him develop over the past three years, his only rider is that the Aussie must cope with a change in status. "Scott has the determination to do well," said Malpas. "But he might have to realise that the world does not revolve around him. He might have to go back to being a wee fish in a big pond.

"Scott can handle the media attention and Parkhead as a place. But he will have to handle the expectations on the park.

"You can have two or three bad games for Motherwell, but I don't think you can do that at Celtic."

Malpas refuted any notion that McDonald's inclusion in the SPFA nominations was a surprise.

"Scott has probably scored more goals than Celtic's forwards. Certainly in the league he has.

"Up to January, I felt he was as good as anybody in the SPL. Maybe defenders have been voting for him because he is always a handful.

"Some people say Scott is arrogant, but he is just a bit brash at times.

"Every player joins Celtic or Rangers as a squad player. They can't play on Saturday then Wednesday constantly."

Rangers star Boyd finally hit his first goal against Celtic at the weekend after an eternity of trying and Malpas quickly highlights McDonald's scoring record against the Old Firm.

Few fans of either side will ever forget his famous double that cost Celtic the title in 2005, but he has scored at Ibrox and Parkhead, as well.

"Scott is not a striker who only scores against other provincial clubs. He scores against the Old Firm at Fir Park and away.

"Scott had to move to develop but now he might need to have the mentality that he has to perform every time he's picked.

"He will be under pressure to stay in the Celtic team. If he is scoring goals, then fine. If he is not, then it will come down to what contribution he is making."

The only other problem that could affect McDonald's chances of success at Parkhead may be more international recognition with Australia.

July commitments for the Asia Cup might affect pre-season with Strachan. "It is hard enough being away, but when you travel to the Southern Hemisphere it is a hike and a half," said Malpas.

"However, Gordon will help him handle that."

McDonald won't be alone in trying to make the Old Firm leap next season as Alan Gow and Kirk Broadfoot head to Rangers.

Depending on transfer activity, the Australian looks to have the best chance of the three.