Fulham midfielder Kevin McDonald is considering whether to move into the Championship on loan or call time on his playing career and stay on as a coach with the Cottagers.

The veteran Scottish midfielder, who is currently taking his coaching badges, has been working with both Fulham’s under 18 and under 23 sides at Motspur Park since being omitted from Scott Parker’s 25-man Premier League playing squad earlier this season. McDonald, a key component of Fulham’s two promotion-winning teams, has not made a first-team appearance since coming as a substitute when the Whites beat Cardiff 2-0 in July 2020.

He has spoken previously of a desire to continue a playing career that has seen him make 529 senior appearances and, despite being offered the opportunity to leave on loan or on a free transfer in recognition of his contribution at Craven Cottage, has yet to receive a firm offer. A number of Championship sides have been credited with interest, but it is understood that McDonald is enjoying his work with Fulham’s youngsters and remains popular at Motspur Park.

The 32 year-old joined Fulham from Wolves in July 2016, bringing to an end the Whites’ long pursuit of his services. McDonald immediately tightened up Fulham’s midfield, deployed in a deeper role than at any previous point in his career by Slavisa Jokanovic. He made 48 appearances as Fulham were agonisingly beaten at Reading in the play-off semi-finals and then was a virtual ever present when the Whites went one better the following year, beating Aston Villa in the play-off final at Wembley. McDonald, who has made 127 senior appearances for Fulham and scored six goals, has been largely overlooked on each of the club’s two seasons in the top flight and it remains to be seen whether he will bring his playing career to be a premature end.