The Australia international, 25, had been the only striker at Parkhead hitting the net in recent weeks as the Hoops gradually let slip a seven-point lead over title rivals Rangers.

Neither McDonald, Georgios Samaras, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink or Ben Hutchinson appeared on the scoresheet in last Saturday's 7-0 thrashing of St Mirren which led to added criticism of the Parkhead hit-men.

However, the former Motherwell player struck twice against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last night to take his tally to seven goals in nine games as the champions leapfrogged Rangers to lead by three points after Walter Smith's side lost 1-0 at home to bottom-placed Inverness.

With McDonald's wonderful solo goal at Rugby Park, after Kilmarnock midfielder Danny Invincibile had levelled his first-half opener, and Ian Black's last-minute penalty at Ibrox, the champions became odds-on to win their fourth title in succession.

However, McDonald looked to share the glory with his fellow strikers.

"We are all in it together," he said.

"There have been times when I have been guilty of missing chances as well.

"I missed a good chance against Rangers early on in the last Old Firm game.

"You are never happy with criticism, that's human nature but you take it, get on with it, work hard and try and put it right.

"That's what we have been trying to do albeit when we scored seven goals at the weekend and I wasn't a happy chappy coming off having not scored.

"That is because we are judged on goals, it is as simple as that.

"Don't get me wrong, I was delighted with the team against St Mirren and the fans were waiting on that for a long time.

"They got another win against Kilmarnock so things are looking up in that respect.

"However, we don't care if we win ugly, as long as we get three points at the end of each game."

McDonald added himself to the growing list of protagonists on both sides of the Old Firm who are using the "more twists and turns to come" cliche when assessing the title run-in.

The Australian insists every victory will have to be earned.

"We stuck to our task against Killie," he said.

"They gave us a few problems, especially Kevin Kyle, he was a handful all night.

"He is like a big brick wall - you can't get round him and it was a bit frustrating watching that from the other end.

"They defended very well but I was delighted to get the winner, more importantly for the team because it secured a three-point cushion.

"Whether or not we can hold on to that is another question.

"It was nice (to hear Rangers lost) but there is still another 10 games left.

"We had a massive lead and that was chopped right down so I'm sure there are more twists and turns to come before the end of the season.

"We just hope they come in our favour."