McDonald, who had started the season off with three goals in five games, struck in the 23rd minute as Boro continued to show signs of improvement under new boss Tony Mowbray.

Kris Boyd gave Middlesbrough the lead on six minutes, before McDonald doubled their advantage with a 22-yard curler which went in off the post.

The much-needed win moved Boro out of the bottom three and up to 19th.

Meanwhile for Scunthorpe, fellow Australian Trent McClenahan was an unused substitute.

Elsewhere, Neil Kilkenny and Richard Garcia both started as Leeds United and Hull City played out a 2-2 Yorkshire derby draw.

Garcia, recalled to the Hull starting line-up, put in a full shift in attack, while Kilkenny played 88 minutes before being replaced.

In Italy's Serie B overnight, Socceroo Carl Valeri made his first start of the league season, playing a full game, as Sassuolo lost 1-0 at home to Ascoli.

Elsewhere, Adrian Madaschi played a full game as Portogruaro drew 1-1 with Padova overnight