Middlesbrough boss Mowbray backs McDonald to score 20

Middlesbrough striker Scott McDonald is capable of scoring 20 goals for the club this season says boss Tony Mowbray.

As the Teessiders continue to prepare for the upcoming Championship season, Mowbray feels that McDonald, who was selected in Australia’s squad for next week’s friendly with Wales, can be a force if he remains on the pitch in 2011/12.

"If he gets the minutes on the pitch, steers clear of injury and plays the majority of the games, there's no reason why he can't score up to 20 goals this season,” the Riverside legend told the club’s official website.

"He's hungry for that and if he can score that many goals, he'll help the team and our cause this year of course."

And Mowbray said that it was great to see McDonald, who scored twice in a half in a recent pre-season clash with Paris Saint-Germain, get down on himself whenever he is not scoring.

"Scott's a striker who lives off goals, he's always a bit moody if he doesn't score,” he added.

“Even if he's playing well and I'm telling him how well he's done, he still wants to put the ball in the back of the net and that's a great asset for any centre forward to have."

‘Boro kick-off their Championship campaign with a home clash against Portsmouth this Saturday, August 6.

 
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