Hot McDonald poised for Burnley debut

1:20pm Thursday 21st August 2008

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KEVIN McDonald could be in line to make his full Burnley debut on Saturday, after helping Scotland Under 21s edge closer to qualifying for the Euro 2009 finals.

The 19-year-old announced his return to fitness by scoring the final goal in a 3-0 win in Lithuania yesterday, before being withdrawn eight minutes from the end.

McDonald has been frustrated by a foot injury in the early part of his Clarets career, after making the switch from Dundee in the summer.

But manager Owen Coyle hopes the youngster's third Under 21 cap will prompt him to push for a first team place.

"Kevin's had a niggle all pre-season but he's looking to get back to 100 per cent fitness now," said the Burnley boss, who has also been without Northern Ireland duo Martin Paterson and Michael Duff until today, and Scotland defender Graham Alexander, after the two teams played out a 0-0 draw at Hampden Park last night.

"I wanted Kevin back for training (today) but I think they were struggling to get a flight out of Lithuania last night, but the other three lads will be back at training this morning from the Scotland v Northern Ireland game."

Nevertheless, Coyle hopes McDonald will be ready to force his way into the first team frame on his return, ahead of the trip to Crystal Palace this weekend.

"There are two schools of thought. He might be a wee bit fatigued with the travel for Saturday, but equally another game under his belt brings him closer to starting games for us," he said.

"That's what we want because he's 19 years of age, he gets forward, he scores goals, he runs well with the ball, he can pass the ball, and you can see that enthusiasm that he's got for the game.

"We want everybody fit and ready to play their part."