Envious Scotland ‘fan’ hoping to join the party

this or that.’ But these things happen in football and it has happened before for me.

“I got into the squad when I was Hibs and did well so if I concentrate on working hard at United and score some goals, help win games and get the team as high up the league as possible then there might be an opportunity.”

McNulty feels the home fans – or at least those watching from home – will see the real him this afternoon thanks to some serious grafting to get match fit.

He explained: “I’ve had to do a gruelling schedule with the fitness coach and it’s one of the most difficult things I have done in terms of pre-season work.

“I had been training away myself but it was quite a long lockdown for me.

“Obviously I was at Hibs at the start of lockdown and never went back to Reading until about August. So it was quite some time.

“I kept myself going, to be fair, but when you play matches and stuff it is difficult.

“I have had a few matches now and with each game I feel I am getting sharper and fitter.”

What United supporters tuning in remotely to the match are also likely to see is a more attackminded performance from the team than of late.

McNulty certainly hopes so, saying: “The lads have been doing brilliantly to keep clean sheets and pick up some good points.

“If I am being selfish in a way, though, we have not really been that positive in terms of creating chances and scoring goals.

“Obviously, as a striker you want to be creating and scoring.

“We have built a strong base with a defensive unit that has been playing well and keeping clean sheets.

“The next thing now is to move it forward and be a little bit more aggressive in terms of getting in the box and final third areas.”