Scott was easily the best player on the park and he demonstrated the intention to play his part in moving us up the table whenever he is given the opportunity. Malpas's problem is one of reconciling several conflicting aims.
He needs to ensure that we finish the season in the highest possible place to maximise revenue and to do that he should be playing McDonald at every opportunity but he is also aware of the need to give experience of first team action to any of the current second string squad who may be able to make a contribution next season.
It's a difficult balancing act and he'll no doubt be criticised about his future team selections whatever decision he takes. In addition, the remaining weeks of the season will be used to refine his wish list. Again, he had a decision to make about the expected addition to the playing budget which the McDonald windfall has produced. Sensibly, he has made it clear that the strategy will be to retain the existing wage structure.
To import one or two 'stars' into the dressing room along with their inflated wage demands would do nothing for team morale and start us again on the slippery slope to financial problems. Far better to opt for an enlarged squad to ensure that adequate cover is available to cater for any injury crisis which may develop.