Source: Team_Talk
MacDonald back with point to prove
The on-loan Burnley striker is set to face St Johnstone on Saturday, having made his first start since August during Saturday's goalless draw at Hearts.[LNB]The 19-year-old's return followed a heart-to-heart with Bairns boss May when he was told to improve his stamina, and his lifestyle.[LNB]MacDonald responded by adapting his diet and undergoing individual training sessions with coach Steven Pressley to shed pounds and get back in the manager's plans.[LNB]"Previously he wasn't in any physical condition to start a game," said May.[LNB]"We pointed that out to him. To his credit, he has come back in good condition - and we're seeing the benefit on the park.[LNB]"Fair play to Alex - he shouldn't be in that condition in the first place but he has adapted.[LNB]"Alex is young and he has come away from home - he has experienced a different lifestyle - so sometimes it takes a bit of adapting as a young boy.[LNB]"Alex knows where he wants to go, and he certainly knows where we want to take him."[LNB]MacDonald, on a six-month loan from Burnley, said: "It's brilliant to be back playing.[LNB]"I needed to get fitter. But now all that's behind me I hope it's onwards and upwards from here.[LNB]"I lost some fitness, so some extra work on the training ground has worked.[LNB]"It was just me and 'Elvis' at times out there. He has worked me very hard, and now I'm seeing the benefits."[LNB]MacDonald accepts he was not doing things right beforehand.[LNB]"It's not the first time I've lived away from home, so I'm not putting that down as an excuse.[LNB]"I hope it's just a little blip that everyone has. I've had a lot of advice on nutrition, which was well-needed.[LNB]"I'm just looking to put it behind me and take it into Saturday and hopefully get three points."[LNB]MacDonald's return to the starting line-up came seven days after he claimed his first career goal, when he came off the bench in the 3-1 defeat by St Mirren.[LNB]But defender Brian McLean insisted he got the crucial final touch, after MacDonald's header came off the underside of the bar.[LNB]"It's definitely my goal," MacDonald claims, however.[LNB]"Big Brian was bitter about it when we got back into the changing room.[LNB]"He wants to go to the league and the referee - so I've said if he's that bothered about it, he can have it!"[LNB]Meanwhile, striker Paul Sludden - top scorer in the SPL under-19s league last season - has joined East Fife on a three-month loan deal.[LNB][LNB] St. Johnstone 11/10, Draw 9/4, Falkirk 5/2