Every striker will have part to play - MacDonald

FRONTING UP . . . Charlie MacDonald has four goals to his name so far this season.

CHARLIE MacDonald is delighted to have been given the nod up front.

A neatly-taken goal at Shrewsbury put MacDonald (32) on four for the season, ranking him third behind Adam Rooney’s six goals and Danny Philliskirk’s eight.

Even though relative rookie Jonson Clarke-Harris is only on two so far, his impact in worrying opposition defences has been a big factor in Athletic’s good form.

“The most pleasing thing is everyone is scoring goals,” said MacDonald, who came through the full game at Greenhous Meadow unscathed after a six-week absence with a damaged ankle.

“Roons has been unfortunate. He came off the bench at Wolves and scored our vital second goal.

“We both came on as substitutes at Gillingham and had a spell, and I got the nod ahead of him at Shrewsbury, as it was the type of game the gaffer felt I could impose myself on and be a nuisance.

“Luckily for me the decision was proven right. But around Christmas, everyone is going to be needed.”

No loan deals have been made but could be ahead of today’s 5pm deadline.

Johnson is looking for a left-sided defender and winger ahead of Bradford City’s visit to Boundary Park on Sunday.

MacDonald hopes that by playing their own game against direct opposition this weekend, Athletic can preserve an unbeaten home record.