McDonald eyes Capital move in bid for Aussie cap

MOTHERWELL striker Scott McDonald is eyeing a transfer to Hearts or Hibs to propel him back into the Australian national team.

The player's agent, Lou Sticca, has informed the Fir Park board of McDonald's request for a move after his omission from Guus Hiddink's Australian World Cup squad, although the 22-year-old is keen to remain in Scotland after two-and-a-half years in Lanarkshire.

It is understood that McDonald, currently in Melbourne visiting family, would be receptive to playing in Edinburgh to further his career - with the possibility of appearing in Europe - after 27 goals in 66 starts during his time at Fir Park.

"Scott wants to play at a higher level. That might be in England but he would also be quite content to move up the ladder a little in Scotland," said Sticca.

McDonald added: "My decision for leaving is that I feel my career will be furthered by moving to a new club. Missing the World Cup squad brought home to me that I need to keep challenging myself to get the most out of my ability."

Hibs will have a striking void to fill in the near future given Derek Riordan's impending transfer to Celtic, whilst Hearts are currently on the lookout for a predatory forward with a natural goalscoring instinct.

McDonald has two years remaining on his contract at Motherwell, whose new manager Maurice Malpas is reluctant to let the player go without recompense for his club. The willingness for negotiation is likely to have a major bearing on where McDonald is playing his football next season.

However, he is determined that it won't be at Fir Park, saying: "Motherwell, their directors, coaches and fans are first class, but I have noticed I've lost my zip in the last couple of months.

"It has nothing to do with money. I am not trying to leverage a new deal. I know Motherwell have a strict wage cap and after what they have been through I totally understand the situation."

Sticca continued: "I was in Scotland six weeks ago and Scott's mind was made up then. Motherwell got Scott on a free transfer and, hopefully, they will be able to sell him on, so it is a win-win situation."

Taken from the Scotsman