The 34-year-old Australian forward now plays in Scotland's second tier with Dundee United and watched plenty of Maclaren during his loan spell with Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

Maclaren banged in eight goals in 15 appearances for Hibs after joining them on loan in January from Darmstadt, including a final day hat-trick against Rangers.

Despite that he missed the initial Socceroos cut from 32 to 26 players for the World Cup squad, leaving McDonald shocked, before being brought in as cover for the injured Tomi Juric on Monday.

"Jamie Maclaren missing out completely from the squad alone was a shock to me," McDonald told FourFourTwo.

"Watching him first hand, what he was doing in Scotland, scoring goals and scoring against the best teams in the league.

"Regardless of how you perceive the level, if a player is scoring goals their mindset is unbelievable, strong and full of confidence.

"He scored eight in 15. You're taking a guy who's in form and believing in himself."

McDonald has many similarities to Maclaren, having been prolific at club level without ever being able to transfer that at international level.

McDonald was prolific at club level but not for country

The ex-Celtic striker made 26 international appearances but never scored once for Australia. Maclaren has only represented the Socceroos five times but is also yet to break the duck.

It is often argued Australia's system of play didn't suit goal poacher McDonald during his international career, which may relate to Maclaren who was also overlooked by predecessor Ange Postecoglou at times.

"Sometimes you don't fit the system," he said. "Possibly that might be the reason why Jamie missed out (initially). 

"He's still young enough to come back and prove them wrong." 

McDonald added he'd be hoping the Socceroos can produce a few surprises in Russia.

"I'll be watching like everyone else supporting the Socceroos," he said.

"Hopefully they can put on some performances and do the country proud.

"I know there's a little bit of a negative vibe towards the squad at the moment and what's going to happen over there. Hopefully they can surprise us."