| McDonald’s performances for the Dark Blues and Scotland U/21s have made him the first Division One player for years to be nominated for a national award by the PFA.
That his name is on the shortlist does not surprise the man who has watched him most closely over the past two seasons.
And while he stopped short of saying he’d be good enough one day for a Manchester United or Chelsea, his club boss did not rule out such heights.
“Kevin is 19 and still has to develop as a player and physically, so it’s hard to say how far he will go,” said Alex.
“The next couple of years are going to be important to him, but one thing clear already is that, in terms of technique, he has the quality to go all the way.
“Add to that his size and the fact he’ll fill out a bit soon and you are going to have a strong midfield player.”
Further encouragement for Alex has come in the way McDonald has shown a willingness to learn.
“In the 20 months or so we’ve worked with him, he has listened to what he’s been told and worked on areas where he could improve his game. I think he’s come on a lot in that time and I believe that will continue.”
While a stream of scouts from the Old Firm and English Premiership monitor the Carnoustie kid’s progress, his gaffer is hopeful that development will be taking place at Dens next term.
“I can’t say what’s going to happen, but I hope he’ll be here next season and that would be a good thing for him. First team football is the best thing for him and, if he was sitting on the bench at a big club, it would not match the experience he would gain here.” |
