Controversy has surrounded FIFA's decision to award the tournament to the Gulf state amid fears over the searing heat, which has led to suggestions that it could be played in the winter, and its legacy.

However, Middlesbrough frontman McDonald has just returned to Teesside from the Socceroos' Asian Cup campaign in Qatar and was impressed with what he saw.

He told Boro's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "The competition went well and as a tournament, it was very professionally run and the future looks good for the World Cup there.

"You can't really see why they shouldn't be ready to stage the finals.

"The difference this time was there were only 16 teams and there will be 32 at the next one, all within about 50 kilometres of each other, which might be difficult.

"There's a lot of development to be done, but if anyone can do it, they can.

"There were a lot of eyes on them and from what I can see, it was very well done and the people were all very friendly."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has indicated that the finals will, after all, take place in the summer of 2022, although 27-year-old McDonald can understand the arguments for staging it during the winter.

He said: "If I'm truthful, this time of year is probably the best time to have it if you are going to have it there.

"For tradition, we would all like it to be in June time. They are saying everything will be air-conditioned, but what happens if one breaks down?

"There's a lot to be taken into consideration, but I'm sure whenever it's held, they will hold a very professional World Cup."