By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Nicknamed the Welsh Zinedine Zidane by his team-mates, Shaun MacDonald has revealed how the real Zizou is his inspiration.

MacDonald gave Swansea City fans another glimpse of his talents by scoring both goals - his first in senior football - in Tuesday's 2-0 triumph over Brentford.

Low-key Carling Cup tie it may have been, but this was the best night yet of the 20-year-old's fledgling career.

And MacDonald's performance was enough to suggest that after an unhealthy share of injury troubles, he may now be ready to fulfil the promise that has left colleagues likening him to Zidane.

"I'm not sure who it was who started calling me the Welsh Zidane," says MacDonald.

"It started a couple of seasons ago now, and it's nice when the lads say it because it gives me that extra bit of confidence.

"I'm not sure why they started it, but I have always worked hard on my tricks and on taking people on.

"I have watched a lot of videos of Zidane because I look up to him.

"He's an idol of mine. I loved watching him play and you always look at people like him and try to learn.

"I'm not sure whether it's worked, but he's one of the best players of all time so it's nice when the lads come out with the stuff about me being like him."

A shy character, MacDonald looks a little embarrassed as he talks. But it seems his Zidane worship has paid off.

Okay, so he may not even be close to the Frenchman's level - few are - but the boy from Blaenymaes is rated the most technically gifted player at the Liberty Stadium.

The Zidane nickname was born, apparently, because when MacDonald gets on the ball in training, his team-mates cannot get it off him.

The Welsh Under-21 starlet's fast footwork served him well in midweek, particularly when he skipped inside the Bees defence before drilling home his second goal of the evening.

"The first goal was a bit of a tap-in," he concedes, "but I was pleased with the second and, hopefully, I can kick on from here.

"I've had a few chances in my last few games and not scored, so the finishing is something I've been working on in training.

"It seems to have come off and I'm grateful to the coaching staff, because scoring for Swansea City is something I've dreamed of doing since I was a kid.

"All my family and friends were there to see it so that makes it even more special."

MacDonald is referring to pre-season when he talks of his last few games.

Before Brentford, after all, his previous competitive start had come way back in December 2006.

Tuesday was only the 14th time MacDonald has made the Swansea first XI since Kenny Jackett pitched him in to a crunch meeting with Southend nearly two and a half years ago.

"I've been waiting a while for my chance," he concedes, ''but hopefully with the goals I've shown that I'm getting there, that I am strong enough and good enough to get into the team.

"My aim is to get more games, but you never know what will happen with the squad we've got.

"All the lads come training every day not knowing whether they will be involved come matchday."

Chances are MacDonald will be on the bench at best when Nottingham Forest visit this Saturday.

But the feeling grows that this could be the year where he really makes his mark.