And McDonald is hoping to repeat and even improve on his club debut two years ago when he took his Celtic bow against Spartak Moscow - and then proceeded to set up Paul Hartley to clinch a vital 1-1 draw away from home.

But Wilkshire has no intention of giving his Australia sidekick an easy ride at club level when the two sides clash in Glasgow overnight on Wednesday.

"It's a game and trip I'm really looking to," he told Scotland's Daily Record. "It's a very interesting draw and I was happy when we landed the tie.

"Going to Celtic Park is going to be exciting and there should be a fantastic atmosphere. I've got a good idea about Celtic from my time of playing in England.

"The Russian League is a different type of environment but it is also tough and has many high-quality players. We are almost halfway through the season now and doing well. We're only four points off the top of the table.

"There are eight teams up there fighting and we are among that group."

He added: "You could say we have an edge against Celtic because we are well into our season but you could also say they will be fresh coming back from their break.

"There are two ways to look at everything but we are confident in our ability to win this tie."

McDonald has other ideas though and sees the game as another way to really shine on the inetrnational stage.

"These are the games where you want to be recognised as the man who helps Celtic qualify," he told Scotland's Sunday Mail. "We need a good result to take over to Moscow for the return.

"I seem to enjoy playing against Russian opposition. I made my debut against Spartak and in the following leg I scored my first goal. That set me up for the season and it could be the same again because I'm feeling good.

"I'm on 50 competitive goals now. The one against Rangers at Ibrox was great but Manchester United in the Champions League was special.

"My first goal against Spartak was also memorable and to do it in a European tie was great. I want to be top scorer this season. Any striker who doesn't say that is telling lies.

"I'm hungry for goals and success. Beating Dynamo will put us on track and it's a huge game. These are the matches you are remembered for. You can show them to your family in the future."

But Wilkshire's ready for him.

"I get on really well with Scott and I'm sure he'll fancy his chances of scoring against us," he added.

"He is a natural goalscorer and has scored against Milan and Man Utd when both were European Champions, so that tells you about his quality.We will just need to make sure we are prepared for him."