SHAUN MacDonald has revealed he still harbours hopes of featuring in Welsh football’s promising future – but admits his first concern is performing for Cherries.

The cultured midfielder is aiming to boost his international ambitions by playing a key role in the Dorset club’s League One play-off push.

As the most capped under-21 player in his country’s history, MacDonald has a fine pedigree when it comes to representing Wales.

The former Swansea City star, signed by Cherries from his hometown club in August, would love to add to his one full appearance for the senior national team by playing alongside the likes of Premier League stars Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.

But he says his initial target is to gain a regular place with Cherries and showcase his skills at Seward Stadium.

When asked if he was aiming to get back into the international set-up, MacDonald told the Daily Echo: “Playing for your country is probably the best thing you can do in your career so, maybe in the future, yes.

“But at the moment, I have just got to play every week and do well here. That is my short-term goal and you never know in the future.

“I had tremendous times working under Brian Flynn (with Wales under-21s) and he is a tremendous guy and a tremendous manager.

“I am a little bit too old for that now but I have got to do well here for the club – and then you never know.”

New Wales manager Chris Coleman has been tasked with continuing the good work of Gary Speed, who died in November.

“A lot of people respect Chris Coleman and whoever I have spoken to has always spoken really highly of him and said how much of a good guy he is,” said MacDonald.

“I suppose it is a weird situation for him to take the manager’s job – with the circumstances of Gary Speed – but I am sure he can go in and do a tremendous job, and I wish him all the best.”

The 23-year-old, who has been restricted by injury to just nine appearances for Cherries this term, added: “The previous few results under Gary Speed show-ed how well he did and showed how far the team had come.

“There are a lot of young lads in there who have got the experience of playing at international level now and they have got some brilliant results, so I think it is onwards and upwards for Welsh football.”