'Inspirational' Angus MacDonald closes in on Hull City return following successful fight against cancer

The 27-year-old defender hasn't played for the Tigers in more than 18 months, initially because of a blood clot in his leg, then as a result of a shocking cancer diagnosis.

The condition was discovered in his bowel in August, just a short time after MacDonald had been able to resume training again following a year on the sidelines with deep vein thrombosis.

Three months of treatment followed - including an operation to remove his large bowel - before the ex-Barnsley centre-half was handed the news that he was cancer-free and in a position to resume his career shortly before Christmas.

Having spent the last 10 weeks working his way back to fitness, MacDonald is now ready to complete his inspirational comeback by taking part in a competitive fixture.

"He’s looking great," said City manager Grant McCann.

"He puts everything into training every day and he’s an inspiration for everybody really – the fact that he’s come through what he has come through and now he is going to be playing his first game for well over a year.

"He’s had at least three weeks now with us on the pitches and he’s in a good place.

"The way he has bounced back is a credit to him."

MacDonald is not quite ready to be considered for first-team duties just yet, though he is set to feature in Hull under-23s' clash with Birmingham City on Friday evening.

McCann will however be easing the player back in gently, given everything his body has been through and the amount of time he has had out.

"We’ve been delighted with Angus and he was gutted when the under-23s game got called off last week because of a waterlogged pitch," McCann added.

"He’ll play a part in the under-23s on Friday along with one or two others. It’s a massive step for Angus from where he was three or four months ago.

"He’ll play 45 minutes tomorrow. It’s important that we ease him in and not go overboard too soon."