McDonald on the mark again for Celtic

Scott McDonald tuned up for Wednesday’s World Cup qualifier against China with a return to goalscoring form in a 3-0 win over Gretna in the Scottish Premier League.

Scott McDonald tuned up for Wednesday-s World Cup qualifier against China with a return to goalscoring form in a 3-0 win over Gretna in the Scottish Premier League.

McDonald opened the scoring for Celtic just before half time, when he pounced to side-foot a volley home from close range. Two further goals in the second half, saw Celtic cruise to victory.

McDonald-s goal was timely ahead of the China clash, given he had not scored in his previous four matches. It takes his tally to 21 in all competitions.

The news was also good for Luke Wilkshire, who levelled the scoring for FC Twente, who went onto beat Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam with a last minute goal. Wilkshire played a full game, as did Brett Holman in NEC Nijmegen-s 2-1 win away at VVV Venlo that further eased their relegation worries.

Also getting among the goals on the weekend was Mark Viduka for Newcastle United. In just his second back from a six-week injury lay-off, Viduka opened the scoring early with a clinical finish from the edge of the area. His goal was later followed by one from Michael Owen, to seal a 2-0 win, the first victory under new manager Kevin Keegan.

The news however was not so good for Tim Cahill and Mile Sterjovski, both suffering injuries and forcing their withdrawal from Australia-s match against China. Cahill lasted just 12 minutes of his match, before coming off with a recurrence of his foot injury, while Sterjovski hurt his groin after he was sent flying by a late tackle after 35 minutes of Derby-s game against Middlesbrough.