 This moment proved to be the peak of a promising Burnley career, little did the fans know what would happen against Man City in the 2009–10 season.Out of the first team he signed for Championship rivals Scunthorpe United on a one-month loan in October 2010 followed by another loan to League One side Notts County in February 2011, running until the end of the season.At the end of the 2010–11 season McDonald was released by Burnley and undertook a trial with League One Sheffield United leading to a one-year contract with the South Yorkshire club.