McDonald tipped as star of future by Burnley captain (From Lancashire Telegraph)

McDonald tipped as star of future by Burnley captain

10:13am Thursday 19th November 2009

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CLARETS skipper Steven Caldwell has tipped fellow Scot Kevin McDonald for a massive future for club and country – describing him as one of the most naturally-gifted footballer he’s played with.

McDonald, 21, is knocking on Owen Coyle’s door for a first-team starting spot after scoring Burnley’s late equaliser in the 3-3 draw at Manchester City.

The former Dundee midfielder is hopeful his first goal in 11 months will secure him a place against Aston Villa at Turf Moor on Saturday.

While manager Coyle ponders his weekend team, Caldwell has hailed his young countryman as a ‘phenomenal’ talent who will only get better with maturity.

Amid all the doom and gloom of Scottish football, following George Burley’s dismissal on Monday and the perception that Scotland lacks genuine young talent, the Burnley captain believes McDonald is an example that his country has a bright future ahead.

“Kevin’s an outstanding player who definitely become more mature as he goes on,” said Caldwell.

“But it’s about becoming more mature day in day out, more and more.

“He’s come from a club, and no disrespect to Dundee, who are not at the top end of Scottish football, so he’s had a lot to learn since he’s come here.

“But his natural talent is as good as anybody I’ve ever seen and I’m including a lot of big players that I’ve played with at Newcastle. He’s phenomenal.

“I would just like to see him move on and just get up to that next level.

“When he does, there’s no question he’s going to be a top, top player for a long, long time.”

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