McCullough's vow to bounce back from cruciate blow

The devastating diagnosis is that McCullough will miss the full League Two campaign with Doncaster Rovers - but he remains confident of a complete recovery.

The 22-year-old suffered the setback in a pre-season friendly for Rovers last week against York City, just one day after signing a three-year deal to remain at the Keepmoat Stadium.

“I just have to stay positive and am waiting on a date for the operation but it could be as soon as this weekend,” said McCullough. “After the surgery we can plan the rehabilitation programme but I have support from everyone at Rovers and know the medical team is basically available 24/7 to help my recovery.

“They say it can take as long as nine months but obviously everything depends on the rehab.

“It is important to concentrate on doing everything the right way, stay patient and positive.

“To have that happen in my first pre-season game and with everyone looking forward to the start of the season is obviously awful timing but I just have to focus on the future now.

“Injuries are part of the game and, hopefully, this is my one bad setback.

“However, they say the rehab means you come back stronger than before.

“In the past it may have ended careers but now medical advancements mean most players make a full recovery.”

McCullough has the security of a three-year contract to provide support along his long-term return.

“That deal at least allows me to put my full focus into the road back without fears over my future,” he said. “It means a lot to see and read the support from the fans since the news came out.

“The manager has also just told me not to worry and to focus on getting back in the right way.

“Hopefully the Rovers lads can do the business without me and get us back up out of League Two.”

McCullough was part of the Northern Ireland squad for the landmark EURO 2016 campaign - making history as the first player from Portadown to represent his country at a major tournament finals.