McDonald is hoping to make the final cut in Pim Verbeek's squad for South Africa despite his well documented international goal drought.

He faces a battle for selection with Nikita Rukavytsya making a late charge into the picture.

But whether he makes it or not, with the odds seemingly in his favour, the striker feels his best is yet to come.

McDonald joined Middlesbrough in a £3.5 million move from Celtic in January but scored just four goals and his cause was not helped by injury.

"I've played about 10 or 11 games, and scored four goals, obviously I would have liked a couple more," he told the Sunday Sun ahead of Pim Verbeek's announcement.

"I've come to fitness at the end of the season, which is convenient for me for the World Cup, but its not helpful for Middlesbrough.

"The recovery from the hernia injury I came with took longer than I hoped but it feels good now, its not niggling away at me anymore."

McDonald has no doubt that next year will see a player really firing on all cylinders.

"Boro fans will see an even better Scott McDonald next season!" he said.

"It is just important to start the season right, and get the first goal out of the way quickly. The quicker you get first one, then you can relax and I think the goals come quickly after that."