When Strachan signed the former Motherwell striker for £700,000 in June 2007, few imagined that McDonald would be quite the force he became at Celtic.
Despite enduring a groin injury which has put him on the side lines for almost five weeks
this season Scott Mc Donald is ready to prove his critics wrong by getting his career back on track and doing what he does best-scoring goals
The Aussie striker has opened his account in the SPL in the past fortnight with a tally of three goals and with an impressive tally of 30+ goals for Celtic last season he pours scorn on those who blasted him for being overweight

In an interview with Australia's Courier mail he says he is desperate to open his Socceroo scoring account - if selected - in Australia's World Cup qualifier at Suncorp Stadium on wednesday against Qatar.

"If called upon I can do a job and it would be nice to finally get my first goal for my country," McDonald, capped nine times at senior level, said.

"It's been a while in the waiting and I don't really want to wait too much longer."

One Scottish newspaper said McDonald was "two stone overweight", while another suggested he had "enjoyed a summer of excess".

After scoring in Celtic's 4-0 thrashing of Hamilton a day before flying home to link with his Socceroo teammates.The belly-slapping included in his celebration routine needed no explanation.

"I didn't take too kindly to suggestions that I was overweight - it's just a load of nonsense,"
"But it's something that inspires you to go out there and chuck it back at them (the critics).

"My fitness hasn't been up to scratch, but people have to realise that when you've been out for three to four weeks with a groin injury and before that you've only played two games at the start of the season, you haven't had much game time.

"I can reassure you that everything is fine. My weight is the same as it was last season when I was scoring goals and I'll continue to work hard to get fitter.

"Hopefully that will see me get back to the top of my game and have me scoring goals for my club and country."
Team mate Barry Robson earlier said

I think people say he looks heavy but, believe me, that is not the case with Scotty. He's a strong wee guy and he'll bang loads of goals in again. He's a good lad who works hard and no one here has any problem with him.