*** Updated 10.45 am ***

The claim has been made as part of an exclusive story in Scotland's Evening Times newspaper.

But Lou Sticca, McDonald's Australian-based manager has steadfastly refuted the claims saying that the report is "completely incorrect."

Sticca has clarified that McDonald will make himself available for Australia at the Asian Cup.

"Scott has already spoken to FFA management and is definitely available for the tournament," he said.

McDonald’s start at his new club has already suffered a significant setback after being sent off against Dunfermline on the weekend. If Motherwell’s appeal to overturn the ruling is unsuccessful, the diminutive striker has played his last game for Motherwell and will miss the first two games of next season as a Bhoy.

In the match referee Dougie McDonald red-carded McDonald for a rash challenge on Scott Muirhead which was deemed serious foul play.

McDonald is acutely keen to impress Strachan and fans after sections of Celtic’s fanbase leveled criticism at him in disappointment that the club did not secure the services of a ‘big name’ striker.

Ironically McDonald has scored 15 times this season for Motherwell, four more than Celtic’s Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink has managed.

Celtic’s pre-season begins on July 4 while Australia’s first Asian Cup match is on July 8, when the Socceroos face Oman. The Evening Times report says McDonald will opt to meet with his new team mates over making himself available for the green and gold.

"I don't want to go there [Celtic] and just be part of the squad. I want to be in the starting XI every week,” he said.

"I think the manager and everyone around the club sees that, and I won't be happy if I'm not playing.

"It's up to me to go and prove myself, and I know it will be hard."

McDonald made his senior debut for Australia in February 2006 against Bahrain.