Boss Joe Royle has declared that the young livewire is still a part of his long term plans, however: "It's just a months loan and no more than that," he said.
McDonald has made eight appearances at first-team level this season but with the return of fitness of all of Town's front players and most of the midfeild, the loan move is seen as a good oppourtunity for the youngster to get a run of first-team experience away from Portman Road.