That goal, plus his overall performance, will have even more clubs adding his name to their lists of players to be watched.

Dundee gaffer Alex Rae knows that and he was one man who was not surprised by what the midfielder did.

“To be honest, I was out walking the dog when Kevin scored, but I’ve seen his goal now and all I can say it is something he has in his locker,” said Alex.

“I’m delighted for him because it is great to see him do it on a stage where people will be watching, but it’s the kind of thing he does in the First Division most weeks.

“Last Saturday, he was not scoring, but his pass that set up our winner at Dunfermline was pure quality.”

And Alex believes McDonald’s display last night is testimony to the effort the player and coaching staff at Dens have been putting in.

“He’s always had special talent, but he has worked hard to improve and there is more to his game this season.

“To be fair to him, last season he was out wide a lot and that is not his position, but his game when the other team is in possession has definitely come on.

“And he is now one of those players who has the ability to do things that change games at vital times — that’s exactly what he did last night.”

Also catching the eye for the Under-21s was Dundee United defender Garry Kenneth, though his club manager was a touch reserved with his praise.

“Garry did show up very well and I was pleased for him. My only problem about praising him is that I feel too much came his way too young and it had an affect on him,” said Craig Levein.

“His form recently has shown he has all the attributes to be a very good central defender, but he has to remember that, for him, it is not about what he is doing now, but the level he reaches over what should be a long career.”

Craig also noted that Prince Buaben was an unused sub for Ghana against Mexico in London, but, given that was his first involvement in the full squad, still feels it will have been a worthwhile experience.