Manager Ray McKinnon believes wide-man Paul McMullan has taken a step forward, not back, by deciding to quit Celtic for Dundee United.
The 21-year-old came to the Tangerines’ attention during an impressive loan spell at Dunfermline last season and has been showing up well since signing up last month.
His new boss believes he’s set for a big career.
“People might think leaving Celtic without breaking through there is a step down but Paul’s doing the right thing,” he said.
“If you look at the squad Celtic have, it’s very hard for young players to force their way into the team.
“Paul had a year of his contract left and they were happy to keep him but he’s realised what he needs right now is first-team football and I think he’s right.
“He could have stayed at Parkhead and picked up his money but there was a real danger he could have stagnated.
“Instead, he’s taken a brave decision to come to us because he’ll have a better chance of a regular first-team game.
“He’s already showed up well in training and up at Montrose on Tuesday and, if he keeps that work going, he will be getting game time.
“If that’s what happens, I think you’ll see his career really kick on and, eventually, we’ll find it hard to hang on to him.”
Ray did stress, as much as he expects from him, what he won’t do is put too much pressure on the Scotland U/21 man.
“He is still young and, as a winger, I know the challenge for me is making sure he keeps his levels up every week.
“He’s a good kid and is willing to work hard. I really do feel he can go a long way in the game.”
McMullan was involved in yesterday’s closed-door friendly against Blackpool and, all being well, will see more action in tomorrow’s friendly with Peterhead, which is also behind closed doors.
The plan is for Scott Fraser and Lewis Toshney, both of whom were injured towards the end of last season, to have had run-outs as well by the time these two fixtures have been completed.
Fraser’s broken foot has now completely healed and Toshney has recovered from a dislocated shoulder.
“They are both training with the rest of the boys now, so I expect them to be ready for the League Cup tie against Raith Rovers next Saturday.”
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