Loanee MacDonald keen on Town stay (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Defender wants to see out the season at the Camrose

1:00pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Sport By John Boyman

ON-LOAN defender Angus MacDonald says he would be more than happy to remain at Basingstoke Town for the rest of the season.

The England youth international has made a big impression since joining on loan from Reading in November, showing his potential with some commanding performances at the heart of the Town defence.

MacDonald’s loan is due to run out next month and while the player admits that he would prefer to be playing at a higher level, he is enjoying life at The Camrose.

“The lads have been really good, really making me feel a part of things and I am enjoying my football,” the 19-year-old said. “It’s great playing against some older guys with a bit more experience and younger lads coming through as well.

“I am trying to get a league club for the rest of the season so I can push on but it that does not happen then I would certainly be happy to stay here for the rest of the season.

“At the end of the day I am playing games, enjoying my football and getting experience. I’m still young and it’s a great learning curve.”

MacDonald scored his first goal for Basingstoke against Weston-super-Mare and was inches away from doubling his tally against Eastleigh on Saturday, his header thumping the underside of the crossbar and bouncing to safety.

“I thought it was going in but it just hit the bar and I don’t think it went over the line,” he said. “I probably should have scored though.”

In the end, MacDonald’s failure to score did not matter as Town recorded an important 1-0 win courtesy of Tim Sills’ header.

It was a busy game for the Basingstoke defence, who had to deal with a lot of long balls forward from the visitors, but they stood up to it well, with MacDonald particularly impressive, keeping former teammate Bradley Bubb quiet.

“I enjoy that sort of game,” MacDonald said. “There was a lot to deal with and defend but that is what I am looking for.

“It was a good win. We have been training hard it was nice to bounce back after losing at Bath in the trophy.

“It was a very good performance as well. It’s always good to get a clean sheet and the win keeps us in a decent position. We have not been getting the results we have wanted of late but we have stuck at it and hopefully this win will get us back on course.”

While he is fully focused on Town at the moment, MacDonald’s long-term aims lie back at the Madejski Stadium.

“I just want to keep playing, getting experience and hopefully I can force my way into the Reading side,” he said. “I have got at least one more year there and hopefully I can break through into the first team at some point. There are a few centre-backs at the club but hopefully if I keep working hard and keep improving I can get there.”

Next up for Basingstoke is a trip to local rivals Farnborough, with the visitors needing another win to keep them in the play-off hunt.

“Three more points are the main thing at Farnborough to keep us up there pushing for the play-offs,” MacDonald added. “It would be nice to get another clean sheet as well.”