McDonald impressed with Qatar

Controversy has surrounded FIFA's decision to award the tournament to the Gulf state amid fears over the searing heat, which have led to suggestions that it could be played in the winter, and its legacy.

However, Middlesbrough frontman McDonald has just returned to Teesside from his country's Asian Cup campaign in Qatar and was impressed with what he saw.

He told Boro's official website, www.mfc.co.uk: "The competition went well and, as a tournament, it was very professionally run and the future looks good for the World Cup there.

"You can't really see why they shouldn't be ready to stage the finals. There's lot of development to be done, but if anyone can do it, they can.

"There's a lot to be taken into consideration, but I'm sure whenever it's held, they will hold a very professional World Cup."

Source: PA

Source: PA