Barnsley had gone ahead early before McDonald equalised on 11 minutes and the Australian then played a part in Boro's other two goals.

Firstly, the Socceroo rose unmarked to glance home Barry Robson's inswinging corner.

Then McDonald powered down the left, after Australian Rhys Williams's well-weighted pass, before supplying a pass for Robson who slotted home.

On 44 minutes, McDonald pushed forward and played a nice ball in between two defenders for Marvin Emnes who made it 3-1.

McDonald almost grabbed a double in the second-half, forcing a good save from Barnsley keeper Luke Steele but he ended the match with the one and a heap of praise from boss Tony Mowbray.

"I'm delighted for for Scott, it was a great flashing header," said Mowbray. "I said to him watching him play for Australia against Wales that I thought his link up play was fantastic.

"Unfortunately we might lose him for a few games - on that evidence he's a stick-on to be in their (Australia's) side. But I think we've found a way that helps Scott and helps our team but Scott will only be happy if he's scoring."

Elsewhere, Mile Jedinak made his debut for Crystal Palace as a 59th-minute substitute in their 2-1 win over Coventry City.

In Germany's 2.Bundesliga on Monday, Socceroo Robbie Kruse was an 80th-minute substitute as Fortuna Dusseldorf drew 1-1 at Eintracht Frankfurt.