The Australian forward has netted 11 times in his last nine matches, more than justifying the $1.7million fee Celtic paid to Motherwell in the summer.

Strachan is delighted by the emerging partnership between McDonald and Dutchman Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, but insists the flurry of goals from the new arrival has been no shock.

"After a couple of days' training I expected that, and he's working well with the big fella (Vennegoor of Hesselink)," Strachan told Setanta 1.

"The big fella took a lot of knocks today without complaining. He gets barged in the back, and knocked down, and he just gets up and abides by the referee's decision, which for him is excellent."

Strachan was delighted by Celtic's first-half performance against Kilmarnock in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League match at Rugby Park today.

The visitors led 2-0 but let Kilmarnock come into the match in the second half and Frazer Wright's header gave the home side a chance.

Strachan said: "I felt we got caught up in the basketball-type football for a while - back and forth.

"I was saying to the players, 'When you get it back, have some more touches'."

Celtic tightened their grip on top spot with victory, and Strachan said: "It's a game closer to the end of the season and we're top of the league, you can't do any more than that."

Benfica now await in the Champions League, with victory over the Portuguese side at Parkhead on Tuesday probably necessary if Celtic are to reach the last 16.

Strachan said: "I'm looking forward to the game again, and I want to give the crowd some more excitement, some more goals, which we've been doing this season.

"And I'm sure with the crowd's backing - I thought they were excellent today - we'll do all right."