The Australian international, who picked up a Clydesdale Bank Premier League winners' medal in his first season at Celtic Park after signing from Motherwell in 2007, will play in his first cup final for the SPL champions.

McDonald lost 5-1 to the Ibrox side as a Fir Park player in the 2004-05 final but is looking to make amends with the Hoops this weekend.

"I think that everyone in the team has to see this as a great opportunity," he told Celtic View.

"You play this game for love, of course, but you also play it to win and if you win things at a club like Celtic, there is that chance that you will make it into the history books and be remembered by our supporters.

"You want to look back on your career and say, 'I did this' and be happy with what you have achieved.

"I've been fortunate in the way that I have had so many big days in my career so far; this will be another incredible experience and the fact it's a derby makes this final all the more exciting.

"It's a huge occasion for everyone involved and it's a chance to go and make a name for yourself, both on a personal note and as a team.

"It's something I haven't won, although, whether I had won it or not, I would still be just as determined to go and win it this weekend.

"I really want to win this one and the last time I was at a final was against Rangers and it wasn't a very memorable day.

"So it would be nice to go back with Celtic and win it, rather than be on the losing side again."

McDonald revealed his family have decanted over from Australia in recent months and will take their place at Hampden to cheer him on.

He said: "They're all here for it.

"My two brothers and my mum and dad will all be at the game and I am so looking forward to it.

"They have actually been here for a couple of months now and have enjoyed the ups and downs of watching Celtic.

"I just hope this is a good day for us and it would be great to celebrate it with my family."