KEVIN McDonald wants to get a head start on his New Year’s resolution, by gett-ing into Burnley’s first team before 2011.

The powerful midfielder has returned to Turf Moor after a spell of building up his match fitness with Scunthorpe United.

McDonald spent two months on loan with the Iron, where he played five games and scored one goal after recovering from a back injury he sustained in his first training session in North Lincolnshire.

The former Scotland Under 21 international has returned in time for the hectic Christmas schedule, with the aim of making a positive impression on manager Brian Laws.

“I’ve got to push harder for my place and hopefully get myself in the team,” said McDonald, who was signed by former boss Owen Coyle from Dundee in 2008, but has yet to secure a regular place in the side.

“I want to play football, everyone does, whether you are a young player or an older player.

“I’ve done well and some games and had a couple of dodgy games. But if you want to get to the top level you’ve got to play consistently well.

“But I’ve got to get the games in the first place and hopefully then I will start playing consistently well. Who knows from there, we will see.

“I’m ready to give 110 per cent. If I get a game, great, but if not we’ll need to take it from there.

“But I’m back here to get games, and hopefully I will get the chance. If I do, I’ll take it.”

After the Boxing Day trip to Barnsley, McDonald is in line for an early reunion with his temporary Scunthorpe team-mates, as Burnley host the Iron in the final game of 2010 on Tuesday night.

“It will be a good game on the 28th and good to see all of them again, but hopefully we can get three points,” said the young Scot. “I had a good time at Scunthorpe and got a few games, which I needed.

“The start of it wasn’t that great with getting injured as soon as I went there. But I got some experience and I’m a little bit fitter than I was.

“It’s like this place. There are a lot of good people at the club, and the fans are good as well.

“I enjoyed my time there but I’m glad to be back.”

McDonald, 22, fell out of favour after going to meet family in the KSC 110 Club after being withdrawn at half-time of a 6-0 home defeat to Manchester City instead of staying to watch the rest of the game.

But he is determined to earn a clean slate.

“I hope I can force my way in,” he said. “I don’t slack in training. I always give it the best that I can, that’s all I can do really.

“If I get the chance to play I will show people what I can do.”