MIDFIELDER Shaun MacDonald is vowing to do everything in his power to win back a first-team place at Cherries – even if that means a loan stint in January.

The 26-year-old, capped by Wales four years ago, has yet to appear in the Championship this season but started two matches in Cherries’ record-breaking run to the League Cup quarter-finals.

MacDonald’s cause was hampered by a nagging hip injury during the opening weeks of the season before he hit the comeback trail in September.

The former Swansea City man played the first 75 minutes of Cherries’ victory 3-0 over Cardiff before a brief appearance at the end of October’s home tie with West Bromwich Albion – his last taste of senior action to date.

The emergency loan window slammed shut at 5pm on Thursday with boss Eddie Howe deciding against any last-ditch movement in or out of Dean Court.

And MacDonald, awarded a three-and-a-half-year deal by Howe in January 2013, remains as determined as ever to fight for more senior starts.

He told the Daily Echo: “It has been a frustrating season for me so far and I think everybody is aware of that.

“But I am the type of professional to keep my head down and work hard. You never know in football, my chance might come next week or next month.

“It is difficult because I know I am training well but we have a strong squad and anybody not playing cannot argue they should be in the team at the moment. The table does not lie.

“The manager has got a great squad at his disposal. For me, it is about being patient and seeing what happens. I feel quite positive and as long as I know I am ready, I will stay happy in myself.

“I would consider a loan at the right club as long as it fits in with what the gaffer wants me to do but it would be important to go somewhere that fits with our style of play.

"Maybe it is something that will be considered in January, who knows? A lot can change in that time.

“But as long as I am here, I still feel a part of the club’s plans and that is why I train so hard every day. If my chance comes, I will be ready for it.”

MacDonald played 90 minutes for Stephen Purches’s development side, who put on a dominant display to thump their Cambridge United counterparts 8-3 on Tuesday.

On his return to action, MacDonald added: “It is always good to get 90 minutes, whatever level it is at. While the standard of training is excellent and I get a good workout every day, nothing beats playing.

“There is nothing like match fitness. Wanting to play was a personal thing really, you train to play and it was good to boost the work I have been doing with some game time.”