The 34-year-old, who never scored in 26 appearances for the Socceroos, has fallen off the radar in Australia having not played internationally since 2012.

The ex-Celtic striker flirted with an A-League move last off-season, with links to Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets, but he ultimately remained in Scotland with Dundee United.

United failed to secure promotion from Scotland's Championship this term, despite being favourites and McDonald netting 16 goals, and now he's opted to move on.

Melbourne-born McDonald hasn't played in Australia since 2000 and said he was motivated to put himself back "on the map" again in his homeland.

"It's been a good 10-year period since anyone has sighted me so it'd be nice to put myself on the map," McDonald told FourFourTwo. 

"There does come that motivation to do that. 

"I think a lot of people see senior players in Europe coming home thinking it's a holiday. sometimes it's not worked out for those individuals. 

"I wouldn't be coming to do that."

The ex-Socceroo spent last season commuting from his young family's home in Glasgow to Dundee, a four-hour return trip, which took its toll mentally, leading to him wanting a change.

McDonald has always scored goals throughout his club career and, despite his lengthy commute, netted 16 strikes in Scotland's second tier in 2017-18 which was evidence he's still got plenty to offer.

"I'm still fighting fit and feel as good as ever," he said. 

"I'm not ready to retire just yet. There's still life in the old dog. 

"I'd be lying if I said coming home didn't interest me. Obviously last summer nothing came of it. 

"I'm still here, available and can more than do a job but it's not up to me, it's up to others."

McDonald during his second spell at Motherwell

He added: "It was a good season in terms of goal return. I'm never happy though. It's the way I am. 

"I want more and strive for more. It's another season ticked off. Hopefully there's a few more to tick off before the end is up."

McDonald returned to Australia for the first time in four years last month, spending a few days back in Melbourne before a break overseas with his young family.

The veteran said he would look to decide on his future in the coming weeks after his break. 

He also has interest in coaching and media, having already obtained some UEFA coaching licences and worked with Celtic TV on UEFA Champions League matches.

"I'll take the next few weeks to rest up and then it's back on again," he said. 

"We'll see what's available and around."