McDonald pushes claims with another goal for Celtic

Scott McDonald has pushed his claims for a starting spot in the Socceroos side for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan, with his 15th goal of the season for Celtic overnight.

Scott McDonald has pushed his claims for a starting spot in the Socceroos side for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Uzbekistan, with his 15th goal of the season for Celtic overnight.

McDonald, who has yet to register a goal for the national team in 10 appearances, was on hand to open the scoring for Celtic in the 24h minute, heading home from close range after the Dundee United keeper could only parry a goal bound header of one of his own defenders from a corner kick.

McDonald went close shortly after; his 25-yard shot saved well by the keeper, who also denied him in the second half with another excellent save. The match ended up 2-2, with James Wesolowski playing for United.

McDonald has now scored eight goals in 2009, after a slow start to his season with Celtic, which saw him out of favour at one stage. He will come to Australia as the squad-s most in-form striker with the 25-year-old confident a goal for Australia is just around the corner.

In Turkey, Harry Kewell played 75 minutes for Galatasaray in a shock 1-0 loss at home against a 10-men Eskisehirspor side. Mile Jedinak plus James Troisi both played full games, while Bruce Djite came on after 75 minutes for Genclerbirligi as they drew 0-0 against Denzilispor.

Richard Garcia came on in the 38th minute, as Hull City lost 1-0 away at Wigan Athletic, while Brett Holman got a rare start for AZ Alkmaar, as they drew 0-0 at home with Feyenoord, with Holman playing 72 minutes.

The only concern from Sunday games, was the absence of Mark Bresciano, with a continuing back complaint, from Palermo-s side that lost 1-0 at Chievo Verona.

Michael Beauchamp and Carl Valeri are the only players from the Socceroos squad that are still to play, with their club matches scheduled for Monday night kick-off-s.

The Qantas Socceroo squad will come together on Wednesday, with the match against Uzbekistan a week later (April 1) at Stadium Australia* in Sydney.

Tickets are still available for the important clash, with a win taking Australia to almost inevitable qualification for its second successive World Cup finals appearance.

To purchase your tickets, go to www.ticketek.com.au or phone on 132 849 or they can be purchased from all Ticketek outlets.

* ANZ Stadium referred to original name, due to rules of AFC.