The Scotland Under-21 international scored a late equaliser against Manchester City on his fifth top-flight substitute appearance last weekend.

The midfielder has struggled with injuries since signing from Dundee in the summer of 2008 for a fee of £500,000. But now he is well settled at Turf Moor and is enjoying the challenge of regularly facing the world-class opposition the top flight has to offer.

"I've been coming on in the last few Premier League games and I feel at home now in that kind of company, among the best players around," he said.

"A few years ago I'd have gone on to the pitch with all Man City's stars and been fazed by it but you've got to handle the pressure - you can't be affected by it every time you touch the ball.

"I'm more of a confident player now - that's something that has come since moving down to Burnley - and coming on and scoring in games like last Saturday obviously helps.

"It's been the right move for me. For my age, I'm where I wanted to be at this stage of my career."

Should he be chosen to play, McDonald can look forward to pitting his wits against Aston Villa when they visit Turf Moor in Burnley's next Barclays Premier League fixture on 21st November.