DEAN McDonald is confident the goals will now start to flow, but doesn't know if it will be for Hartlepool or Ipswich.

The striker is on loan at Pool from Portman Road and his month-long deal expires after Saturday's trip to Walsall.

Ipswich boss Joe Royle was insistent the 19-year-old was only moving to the North-East for four weeks.

Pool counterpart Martin Scott hopes McDonald will be able to stay over the Christmas period.

And, after netting his first goal in the weekend win over Bournemouth, McDonald admitted: "I have really enjoyed my stay with Hartlepool. Everyone here has made me feel very welcome and it has been a good experience for me.

"It has been great playing every week and to score my first league goal is an important step for me. I don't know whether I will be staying or not, it is out of my hands for the moment.

"It is up to the gaffer to decide if he wants me back and it only comes down to me if the extension is granted and I will have to choose.

"It has been good here, but my ambition is to be playing in the Championship with Ipswich and playing and scoring regularly in the first team."

McDonald, named in the Football League's Team of the Week for League One, added: "Scoring my first goal of the season was an amazing feeling. Getting a milestone like that has given me a massive boost.

"I feel I have been doing well here, but scoring is what I have needed to do. Now that I have got my first league goal, I'm sure more will come."

Scott is planning talks with Royle and said: "He's a great talent and is highly rated by Joe Royle.

"He needs to play games and if he keeps playing the way he plays here, he will get recognised.

"We would like to prolong the deal - the lad is enjoying himself and he is playing games.

"He is a young lad who wants to progress as a footballer. We will have to speak to Joe and see what his plans are and if he thinks it is right for Dean to stay longer."

Pool's reserve side travel to Scarborough tonight.