Shaun McDonald has expressed his delight in living his boyhood dream against Cardiff yesterday.

Shaun McDonald could hardly contain his joy after facing arch rivals Cardiff City in yesterday's derby clash.

Coming off the bench the Welsh U-21 international played a pivotal role in Swansea's equaliser as his cross found Spaniard Gorka Pintado in the box who acrobatically volleyed past Peter Enkelman in the Bluebirds goal.

Living his boyhood dream McDonald had admitted that he was nervous of such a big occasion but has thanked Roberto Martinez for keeping the faith in him as he told the SWEP, "I respect the gaffer for putting me in and giving me a chance. I didn't know I was in the team until hours before the game. There was some nerves there, but I had to focus.”

"It was a dream, something I've dreamt about as a kid. Sitting on the bench I looked around and it was an amazing atmosphere. I missed the Carling Cup game a few months ago because of injury, but to come on was amazing. I had only just come on when we won the corner. I take the corners if I am on and it was on my side so I thought I would whip it in.All the lads ran after Gorka but I ran off on my own and had a private celebration."

Not content with his solitary championship appearance this season, McDonald has vowed to believe in his own abilites and earn a few more chances to impress not only Martinez but Wales manager John Toshack, he said "Hopefully I've done enough to earn a few more chances I am always confident and believe in myself.I have just got to keep proving that I am good enough to be in the team."

Photo: Action Images

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