KEV TRIAL HIGH IS ONE COURTSFOR THE HIGH COURTSTRIAL
Tam: McDonald is a pedigree player and he knows we have a plan for comeback
TAM COURTS insists Dundee United have a plan to help former Scotland star Kevin McDonald get back to his best.
The 33-year-old midfielder has bravely battled back from a kidney transplant and wants to get playing at the top level again.
The former Dundee, Burnley, Wolves, Sheffield United and Fulham star has been training with United over the winter break.
But Tannadice boss Courts insists McDonald is not on an ordinary trial and is working on a plan tailored to help him hit previous heights.
He said: “Kevin has been very positive around the place.
“You tend to think with a guy like that, and with the pedigree he’s got, he’s not in a major rush.
“I think he values the fact we’ve got a plan for him here and he’s not just been brought in as a stereotypical trialist. We are trying to create a bit of an experience for him so that he knows where he is in the journey and how close he is to being near his best.
“But you can see he’s still a player of quality. His presence and leadership qualities will never leave him.”
Courts believes the fact McDonald still has a steely determination to play at the highest level after everything he has been through says it all.
He added: “The more research you actually do into the history of his illness, it’s something which was flagged up when he went and did his medical at Burnley.
“Otherwise, he was completely unaware that he had a condition.
“To be 33 years old and go through a major organ operation and to want to bounce back and prolong his career, that tells you everything you need to know about his character and his desire to stay in the game.
“He has looked very good. He’s obviously a very cultured player and very strong technically.
“And because of the level that he’s played at, he’s also got a presence and leadership that adds to the training environment here.”
McDonald had been training with former club Fulham and while United recently announced a link-up with the London outfit, Courts had his eye on McDonald well before then.
He insisted: “It was something that came about at the tail end of last year and for a couple of different reasons, it didn’t transpire.
“When the opportunity was presented again, we didn’t think twice about it because first and foremost we wanted to help him and we’ll always take the opportunity of looking at a top player.”
Courts won’t rush into a move for McDonald but he does want a quick-fire deal for Tony Watt.
He has agreed a pre-contract for the Motherwell striker but is keen to get him in this month.
If that fails to materialise Courts could look a short-term replacement.
Former United man Lawrence Shankland has been made available at Beerschot and the only other team in Europe he could play for is United.
Courts admits they have watched their former striker’s situation closely but an immediate return looks doubtful as United prepare to get back into Premiership action tomorrow.