But McDonald could face Rangers over the weekend

months of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

As such, he has found momentum hard to come by, finding the net just three times in 24 appearances.

And Courts is adamant no one is more frustrated by that than McNulty himself.

“He is a player who hasn’t really had any long-term injuries so, even in terms of that hamstring injury, he was struggling to cope with that psychologically,” continued Courts.

“The medical staff were giving him feedback and saying, ‘look, this has been a serious rupture and you can’t come back too quickly’.

“But I think sometimes his own willingness and desire to come back affected him. He had such a hard time being injured and was so desperate to get back playing.”

However, there was better news on the fitness front after Courts confirmed that former Fulham and Scotland midfielder Kevin McDonald is in contention to face Rangers on Sunday.

The 33-year-old has recovered from a muscular strain and is a welcome option amid the ongoing absence of Ian Harkes, Peter Pawlett and Calum Butcher.

“Kevin McDonald is back training,” revealed Courts.

“The way Kev’s body recuperates from injury is probably slightly different from how it did before his [kidney] transplant.

“So we had to be cautious last week and I think that was the right decision.

“He is now moving a lot more freely in training, in full contact and is available for selection.”

Kevin McDonald has been out injured with a muscular strain.