Source: Team_Talk
McDonald: We must stay united
Centre-halves Stephen McManus, Gary Caldwell and Glenn Loovens have been singled out for criticism in recent weeks, with boss Tony Mowbray even admitting he has yet to identify his favoured partnership.
The rearguard came under scrutiny after losing two early goals at Ibrox as Celtic slumped to defeat to Rangers in their last outing in the SPL.
But striker McDonald insisted: "As a team, we are all in it together. We defend from the front first, as all good managers like to say.
"It's true. When the goals aren't coming, it's not just about the strikers. It's the same with not conceding goals.
"Yes, the back four will be looked at as the main people who will get the blame for it because that's their job.
"But, the way we see it as players, we all have to do something to stop this happening, not just two or three of the players."
Conceding early goals, in particular, has been a problem in recent weeks, with Dundee United, Hearts, Rapid Vienna and Rangers all finding the back of the net within the opening 10 minutes of their meetings with the Hoops.
"The sloppiness at the start of games is something we will have to talk about," said McDonald.
"How many times does it have to happen before we do something about it?
"I'm sure everyone will be focused on Saturday and make sure we start the game right and don't concede early.
"Hopefully, we will pop up at the other end and score the first goal instead of chasing the game. That would be nice."
McDonald believes no-one at Celtic is dwelling on the Old Firm defeat as they prepare to welcome Motherwell to Parkhead.
"It's forgotten about now," said the striker. "We are still in a good position and we've really got to try and move on and win the next game and go from strength to strength from here.
"If you ask all the players and the manager about how we have played in all the games, we haven't been overly-satisfied.
"We do feel there is a lot more to come and we are all working hard to move forward."
McDonald is looking forward to facing his old club, who have enjoyed a promising start to the season under new boss Jim Gannon.
He said: "It's been good for them so far and that's good to see.
"They have bounced back from the disappointment of not finishing in the top six last year and they have started this season well.
"A lot of young players have come through, which is encouraging for the club, but I just hope they have an off-day on Saturday."
