NEIL McDonald prepared for his Preston debut in an Auto Windscreens Shield clash with Scarborough tonight convinced he has erased doubts about his appetite for football.

The former Newcastle and Everton midfield ace made only six senior appearances for Wanderers after leaving Oldham under the cloud of a free transfer.

But his 16-month Burnden stint - blighted when he broke his leg on his home debut - served its purpose. "It was an uphill battle last season, first trying to get fit and then getting back into the team because they were doing so well," McDonald said after completing his £40,000 move to Deepdale.

"But I got back in and, although I only played a small part, I played in a few key games, including the Play-off Final at Wembley, and I'm pleased to say I had a hand in helping Bolton win promotion.

"There were a few doubts expressed when I came on a free transfer but I think that by fighting my way back from the injury I've shown I have the desire to want to play football, which was questioned when I left Oldham.

"I'm looking forward to a new start and new challenge."

Wanderers' poor form in the Premiership has not affected John McGinlay's international status. The Burnden star has been named in the Scotland squad for next week's final Euro qualifier against San Marino at Hampden.

Tartan connections have again linked Wanderers with Raith Rovers trio Colin Cameron, Tony Rougier and Stephen Crawford plus Rangers £300,000-rated left back Gary Bollan.

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