WALTER SMITH, the Scotland manager, will assess the possibility of making Scott McDonald, who was born in Australia, a Scotland internationalist.

The Motherwell striker's parents are Scottish, and he has been on standby previously for Australia, who have secured a place at the World Cup finals but he has so far been overlooked by coach Guus Hiddink.

McDonald, who should be in the Motherwell team that faces Hearts at Fir Park today, has not given up hope of playing in Germany, but he is also exploring the prospect of representing Scotland.

Smith, who will take charge of a future team against Poland on December 6, is planning for the European Championship qualifiers, admits he is well aware of the player's abilities. "We'll look at them all, " he said. "Scott McDonald has been doing well.

"I don't know if he is willing. I did read he said he wanted to look at Scotland as well as Australia. He's one we've been watching and again we'll be watching him at the game at Fir Park.

"He's been doing well enough. We have a number of Scottish ones there so we will wait and see."

Smith is also considering bringing in Kris Boyd, the Kilmarnock striker, against the Poles at Rugby Park.

"I'll need to phone all the managers to ask permission, " he said. "I'll need to ask Jim Jefferies but it's possible."