McNulty out for season – Courts

Marc McNulty may have played his last game for Dundee United after the Scotland striker suffered a serious knee injury.

McNulty was withdrawn in the closing stages of United’s 1-0 win over Motherwell on Saturday following a ferocious, yet entirely accidental, collision with team-mate Liam Smith.

The Tangerines received the initial results of a followup scan yesterday and, while unable to place an exact timeframe on McNulty’s absence, the damage is significant.

As such, he will not play for United again before the expiry of his loan deal from Reading at the end of the season, potentially bringing the curtain down on his two years at Tannadice.

“I don’t want to speculate too much but it looks like he’ll be out for a period of time,” said United boss Tam Courts.

“We only got the results on Thursday and, although we don’t know the full extent, it is safe to say his season is over. And I think he is going to be out for a wee while.

“It’s bad news for him on a personal level but we’ll do everything we can for him.

“Sparky is someone we have a lot of time and respect for. We would support any player, anyway, but we’ll certainly provide that (facilities) for him. We just need to get a timescale on it.”

McNulty will be out of contract this summer, with his deal at the Royals due to expire. The 29-year-old has, in no uncertain terms, made it clear that he has no interest in remaining at Reading, having been given scarce opportunities to shine with the Championship club.

Asked whether United could pursue a permanent move for the player, despite his fitness set-back, Courts continued: “I don’t know the level of conversations between Tony (Asghar, sporting director) and Sparky’s agent.

“Sparky is a Premiershiplevel striker and a Scotland international. He is leaving Reading after a long-term contract and I’m sure he’ll have options. And he’s probably got a little extra time now to consider his next move.”

This latest setback rather typifies a maddening campaign for the ex-Hibs and Livingston man, having missed three 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.

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 absences of Ian Harkes, Peter Pawlett and Calum Butcher.