McDonald, who was called up into Holger Osieck's 19-man Socceroos squad for the upcoming Paraguay game, was ill and replaced in the Boro starting XI by Kris Boyd who scored their solitary goal.

The Australian striker had started the season with three goals in five matches but has not scored since August 24.

Elsewhere overnight, Scott Chipperfield was an 80th minute substitute as FC Basel were beaten 2-1 by Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League.

Back to England's Championship, Australian goalkeeper Adam Federici kept a clean sheet as Reading defeated Ipswich Town 1-0. The result moves the Royals into the playoff spots.

Meanwhile, Neil Kilkenny was a 59th minute substitute as Leeds United let a 4-1 lead slide, to lose 6-4 to Preston North End, who had Aussie teenager Bailey Wright on the bench.

Richard Garcia was left out of the Hull City squad which lost 4-0 at Burnley, Trent McClenahan was an unused sub as Scunthorpe drew 0-0 with Barnsley, while Dan Ireland was also left on the pine as Coventry beat Doncaster 2-1.

In England's League Two, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff played a full game in defence as leaders Port Vale defeated Shrewsbury 1-0.

Elsewhere, Jamie Young kept a clean sheet as midtable Aldershot won 1-0 at Torquay.