McDonald has scored 95 league goals in 220 games

Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald believes his experiences in Scotland with Celtic will help him cope with the pressure to succeed at the Riverside.

Boro fans have become frustrated with the club's mixed form in the Championship this season but McDonald says he is relishing his opportunity.

"I've had to cope with big pressure up at Celtic," McDonald told BBC Tees.

"I believe as a player you should strive under that, and it makes you work harder to be successful."

The Australian striker's move to Middlesbrough reunites the player with former boss Gordon Strachan, who first spotted his potential when the pair worked together at Southampton.

Having seen McDonald blossom at Motherwell, Strachan took him to Celtic Park and the Melbourne-born player admitted his old boss' presence at the Teesside club was a key factor in his move to the Championship.

"Under Gordon it was quite a successful time for me, and I believe I became a better player under him," he said.

"I wanted to do it again and keep improving, score some goals and help Middlesbrough to promotion and I fully believe that we can do that this year, or beyond if it doesn't happen.

"The main reason why I came here is because I have full belief in what the manager is trying to do and where we want to go."

McDonald has scored 95 league goals in 220 appearances during his career, which has also included spells at Huddersfield, Bournemouth and MK Dons.

He was one of a string of former Celtic players, including Barry Robson, Chris Killen and Stephen McManus, signed by Strachan during the January transfer window.

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