McDonald made his debut on 16 April 1954 in a 2–2 draw against Sheffield United at Roker Park.
Luton Town hit back midway through the second half after Forest's opening goalscorer Roy Dwight broke his leg in the 33rd minute.
Forest had further personnel issue when cramp reduced Bill Whare to little more than a hobbling spectator.
[3] McDonald won two international caps for Scotland, both in the 1955–56 British Home Championship.
The first game was a 2–1 defeat against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park on 8 October,[4] and the second was a 2–0 win against Wales.