Scott McDonald: Celtic a step up in quality

Aussie striker Scott McDonald discusses his first weeks at Celtic and also thanks Motherwell fans for the way they treated him last season.

It's Sunday, so it must be Glasgow!

Celtic appear to have been here, there and everywhere this preseason, but you won't hear any complaints from me. Being in camp and on tour has been a fantastic opportunity to get to know my teammates and the coaching staff. I've only been a Celtic player for a matter of weeks, but already feel part of the club. It's been a great welcome.

From a personal point of view, the only frustrating thing this preseason has been missing the match last week at Newcastle United. As I'm suspended for the SPL kickoff, the gaffer thought it better to prepare for Kilmarnock with those players who would be available to him. You can't argue with that.

I've been relatively pleased with the way I've played in the friendlies this summer. Jan [Hesselink of Vennegor] and I get along well and we've struck up a good understanding on the pitch. I'm beginning to read where he's going to nod the ball down and it's coming together very well for us.

Breaking my duck has helped me, even if it is in preseason. You're always happy to score - even in training - and to get my name amongst scorers in preseason at Celtic has boosted the confidence.

It's been a great month or so. Being away with the lads in the 'States was great - as was training at Rod Stewart's gaffe before the match at QPR! Rod has a pitch that would put some big European clubs to shame!

Apart from myself, the other new lads at Celtic are all making their mark. Scott Brown has obviously been outstanding in preseason and I'm looking forward to getting on the end of his passing this season. Chris Killen is someone I've known since we butted heads together for our respective nations in junior World Cup qualifiers. He'd always get on the scoresheet for New Zealand and I managed to get the odd goal myself for Australia. It's great to see him at Celtic - and I'm sure it's lifted the profile of the club in NZ.

My departure from Motherwell was quite smooth - thanks to the club and the fans. I know it was unusual for Scottish football for a player to be tied to another club before the season was over, particularly not a Bosman signing. But the Well fans were fantastic to me and it was just great for my efforts to be recognised by them in such a special way. It could have been very difficult for me at Fir Park, but the fans and the manager, Maurice Malpas, made it easy for me and I'll always be grateful for that.

That night after the League Cup final will always be one of the great moments in my career. The whole week was special and I hope it's something every Motherwell fan will look fondly on. I'm very proud to have played in such a historic campaign for the club and I'm sure there's bigger things ahead for the club.

As for me, I already feel a sharper player. You can't get a minute's peace in training because the standard is phenomenal. I already can see a difference in my play and how much joining Celtic is going to make me a better player.