Dylan Wenzel-Halls welcomes Scott McDonald to Brisbane Roar

Dylan Wenzel-Halls had the most to lose with Scott McDonald’s arrival at Brisbane Roar but the youngster can only see the benefits of having the ex-Celtic striker as a teammate.

Rather than fear the competition, Dylan Wenzel-Halls is relishing the addition of Scott McDonald to Brisbane Roar’s attacking ranks.

It has been a test of patience for Wenzel-Halls this season after a breakthrough 2018-19 campaign.

The 22-year-old former Western Pride goal machine has started just three games and has spent lengthy periods warming the bench.

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Wenzel-Halls’ resolve was further tested last week when he seemingly slipped further down the pecking order following the Roar’s signing of former Socceroos marksman McDonald.

The ex-Celtic star was rushed straight into Brisbane’s squad for last Saturday’s match against Wellington Phoenix and was named among the substitutes with Wenzel-Halls.

The scene seemed set for McDonald to score the winner when he entered proceedings at 0-0 in the 55th minute.

Instead it was fellow replacement Wenzel-Halls who made the decisive impact, scoring his first goal of the season and the game’s only goal in his first appearance since December 13.

Scott McDonald (left) is among the Roar players congratulating Dylan Wenzel-Halls after his goal against Wellington Phoenix. Picture: AAP

“For any player that is in and out of the squad, it’s tough,” Wenzel-Halls told The Courier-Mail.

“In the back of your head, you’re a little bit worried and anxious about wanting to take that chance because you don’t know when the next one might be.

“I knew I had to come on and make an impact, try to score a winner and I did that thankfully. I made the most of my chance and that’s all I can do as a substitute.”

Whether he’s starting or on the bench again on Saturday when the Roar meet Central Coast Mariners in Gosford, Wenzel-Halls wants to further improve his contribution and believes that having McDonald as a teammate will help him.

Scott McDonald (left) in action against the Phoenix last weekend. Picture: AAP

“Scotty’s a good player and has a good pedigree in football, so him coming in was only going to add more quality to the team and competition as well for places,” he said.

“The quality of the attacking power has gone up, so it’s obviously going to be very competitive at training. But with Scott McDonald here, to play with him, and train with him, all of us younger players will learn a lot.

“He’s very professional. It’s always good to learn off a seasoned pro such as himself.”

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McDonald was happy to help and was grateful his new Roar teammates had “embraced” him.

“If I can add a few extra touches and help some of the younger players as well with their game, that’s a key component as well of me coming to this football club ... to help the likes of Dylan Wenzel-Halls and Mirza (Muratovic),” McDonald said.

“We want to see them move on to bigger and better things as well within their careers, and to do even better for Brisbane Roar.”