The Scottish Sun quotes the ex-Celtic ace confirming his brief spell with Mark Rudan and Western United had come to an end, ending weeks of speculation.

McDonald has been reportedly trying to leave the new A-League expansion club since lat last year but the reports were furiousl;y denied by those close to Western United.

Today though McDonald told The Sun: "When Robbie offered me this opportunity, there was simply no way I could turn it down.

“You don’t get the chance to work with someone of his status every day – never mind when you’re already 36.

“I may be coming towards the end of my career but you are never too old to learn in this game and I can’t wait to start working with him.

“I’m joining an established A-League club with a big support and hopefully there may be a pathway into coaching in the academy structure when the time comes to hang up my boots.

“When I came back to Australia I did hope to bring the curtain down on my career with a bit of a bang.

“Robbie has now given me the opportunity to do just that and I really want to get on with the job of repaying him.”

A prolific striker at Scottish Premiership club level, McDonald made 26 appearances for the Socceroos but failed to find the back of the net for Australia.

The 36-year-old was one of United's key signings ahead of their maiden A-League campaign, but scored one goal in only nine appearances.

Fowler simply said "not yet, no" when asked after training today if there was any news about McDonald's move north.

Roar have also re-signed the club's one-time players' player of the year Corey Brown after he released by Melbourne Victory to return to his former Queensland club.