MacDonald: I'd rather be at Hearts than in Europe

BARRY ANDERSON
JAMIE MacDONALD is willing to forego the chance of a historic UEFA Cup campaign with Queen of the South if Hearts offer him first-team football.
The goalkeeper's contract at Tynecastle expires in June 2009 and he believes another loan move to Palmertson Park could easily be negotiated for next season should he desire. However, his preference is to become established at SPL level.

Queen of the South won a dramatic Scottish Cup semi-final 4-3 against Aberdeen on Saturday, guaranteeing MacDonald a Cup final appearance and securing the club a coveted European place, provided Rangers win the other semi-final against St Johnstone.

Whilst the opportunity to represent Queen of the South in the UEFA Cup would appeal strongly, MacDonald intends to return to Hearts this summer and challenge for the goalkeeping slot.

"It's an awkward position for me to be in," said the 21-year-old, who has never played competitively for the Edinburgh club. "I've got a year left at Hearts so, to be honest, the ball is in their court. It's up to them where I play next season because I'm contracted to them. At the end of the day, I'm a Hearts player and I want to be involved there. I'd like to go back and try to push for a first-team place.

"Hearts is what I've known for the last six years. They're a Premier League club. Queen of the South might be in Europe next year but I'd like to be playing in the SPL."

Stephen Frail, Hearts' interim manager, is refusing to take a
decision on MacDonald's future just yet. He expressed his delight at seeing the Scotland under-21 goalkeeper reach the national cup final with a First Division club.

"I'm delighted for Jamie and for Queen of the South's manager, Gordon Chisholm, who is one of my best friends in football," said Frail. "I speak to Gordon regularly about Jamie and he has been really pleased with him. He has played his part in some impressive league form and obviously a run to the cup final. It's great to see a good lad doing well.

"There's no decision on Jamie for next season. I know Queen of the South rate him highly, but we'll let him enjoy the end of the season with them and then the cup final. After that we can sit down and discuss it."

Taken from the Scotsman