McDonald happy with Hoops

McDonald: Debut season heroics

Scott McDonald has no desire to secure a move to England and would happily end his career with Celtic.

The Australian international has recently penned a new five-year contract with the Hoops, just reward for a 2007/08 campaign which saw him find the target on 31 occasions.

His remarkable start to life at Parkhead - last season was his first following a switch from Motherwell - has seen the SPL champions tie the striker to the club until 2013.

The 24-year-old is already looking past that, though, and has aspirations of becoming a Celtic stalwart over the coming years.

"I have always said that, and if that is the case you know you have had a successful career because you don't play at a football club like this if you are not doing it week-in, week-out," he said in reference to spending the rest of his career at Parkhead.

"So if I could do that, I think I would have certainly had a very good career."

Newcastle were reported to have expressed an interest in taking him to the Premier League during the spring, but McDonald insists that his future lies in Scotland.

Astonomical

He admits that he would probably earn more money in the Premier League than he does at present, but prefers to put personal satisfaction above financial gain.

"The money down in the Premier League is astronomical and I think that's the main reason a lot of these teams are being linked with players from Scotland," he added.

"Money is always going to be a big issue in football, but this club has a massive history and you only need to come and watch Celtic in front of 60,000 to know how special a place this is.

"A lot of people have left and probably regretted it. So it's certainly one thing that would go through my mind if it was ever to come about.

"But I'm just thankful that now I have secured my long-term future and I'm here to annoy everyone for another five years.

"For the club to show that kind of belief in me boosts your confidence right up there.

"Not that I wasn't confident beforehand, but it's a great feeling and makes you feel wanted. I'm looking forward to more successful times at Celtic."