Socceroos striker `has nothing to prove`

Striker Scott McDonald says he feels no pressure to prove himself at international
level despite so far being unable to replicate his prolific Celtic form with the
Socceroos.
McDonald is yet to score in ten appearances in the green and gold despite
consistently finding the back of the net for his Scottish club.
He has scored 16 goals in all club competitions this year, including a stunner
against Manchester United in the Champions League, and was the top scorer in
Scotland last season with 25 league goals.
He was an unused substitute in Australia's 0-0 draw with Japan in Yokohama last
month and is still under pressure to break his international duck.
While admitting he would love to do that in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against
Uzbekistan, McDonald said on Monday he wasn't feeling like he still had something to
prove with the Socceroos.
"Not really," McDonald said.
"I'm here for a reason and I've proved over the last few years that I've played at
the top level, whether that be playing for Celtic in the league or the Champions
League - probably the biggest competition at the moment ... up there with the World
Cup."
McDonald admitted disappointment at being left on the bench against Japan but
accepted it was the right decision by coach Pim Verbeek with Australia clinching the
valuable away draw.
The Scottish media were critical of the fact McDonald made the return trip to Japan
and was not used with an Old Firm derby against Rangers looming the next weekend.
"When you've got such a big game coming up on the weekend, there's going to be a
fuss from the Scottish media if you've travelled all that way and not played,"
McDonald said.
"But I'm professional about it.
"I was disappointed I didn't play but it's a big thing playing for your country and
that's the sacrifice you have to make."
McDonald is unsure if he will get a starting berth against Uzbekistan but could be
paired with Josh Kennedy if Verbeek opts for an attacking formation.
He said Kennedy complimented his game and didn't hold back when asked what he'd give
to net a winner on Wednesday that could potentially book the Socceroos a spot in
South Africa.
"My right arm," McDonald smiled.
"It would be nice wouldn't it? Whether or not I start, or if I was to come on, to
get that winning goal would be a great honour."