THE DEPARTURE of striker Steve MacLean from Plymouth Argyle has been predicted for some time.

But the 27-year-old is still with the Pilgrims, and manager Peter Reid is not ruling him out of his plans for the start of the League One campaign.

MacLean ended last season on loan to Aberdeen, and it had been expected they, or another Scottish Premier League club, would make a move for him this summer.

The change of his squad number from 9 to 32 only heightened the speculation about his future.

But, for the time being at least, MacLean remains at Home Park and has scored twice during the pre-season.

That includes the winning goal when Argyle beat Hereford United 1-0 at Edgar Street on Wednesday.

MacLean appears to be in the thoughts of Reid for the season-opening away game against Southampton next Saturday.

"If he keeps sticking the ball in the back of the net he has got a chance," said Reid.

"I'm not ruling anybody out (of playing against Southampton)."

However, Reid is under pressure to reduce the size of the wagebill at Argyle so should he receive an offer for MacLean from another club — whether it is in Scotland or England — he will have to seriously consider it.

"If someone comes in, it's up to me to make a decision," said the Pilgrims' boss.

Reid was critical of MacLean's workrate after he scored a goal in the first pre-season friendly, the 2-0 win away to Truro City on July 10.

But he was more complimentary about Argyle's £500,000 club record signing following the defeat of Hereford.

Reid said: "I thought MacLean did alright. He retained the ball and looked dangerous."

MacLean headed home in the 60th minute, after Hereford's Adam Bartlett parried away a stinging shot from Onismor Bhasera.

Reid said: "Strikers are paid to get goals and get in the box. It was a good save (by Bartlett) but he (MacLean) was on the move.

"That's the sign of a decent striker. It was an opportunist goal and he took it well."

Reid added: "I think he has lost a bit of weight, I have got to say that."

Meanwhile, Argyle will play their final full-scale pre-season friendly against Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road tonight (7.30pm).

Right-back Karl Duguid could return to action after suffering a shin injury in the 1-0 defeat by AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands last Wednesday.

But captain Carl Fletcher (ankle) and centre-back Reda Johnson (groin) are still sidelined.

Joe Mason sat out the victory over Hereford because of a stomach upset but the up-and-coming 19-year-old striker might be involved against QPR.

The game will give Reid another chance to assess his squad before the season-opener away to Southampton.

Reid said: "I'm still undecided in a couple of positions so I will have another look at it. It's important I take the opportunity.

"Paul (Mariner) and John (Carver) have been brilliant with their comments but it's always best to see things with your own eyes.

"I'm still learning a little bit about the players, but there's a long time to go.

"I know the game against QPR will be a real good test for us, so I'm looking forward to it."

The trip to Loftus Road could see Argyle come up against two of their former players — midfielder Akos Buzsaky and striker Jamie Mackie.

QPR manager Neil Warnock signed Mackie from the Pilgrims for £500,000 in May.

Mackie has netted twice for his new club in the pre-season, most recently in a 2-1 defeat of Ravenna Calcio on Rangers' tour to Italy on Sunday.

Tickets are available on the gate at Loftus Road tonight.

They cost £5 for adults and £2 for under 16s, while it is free for under-eights.

ARGYLE have an away game against Saltash United at Kimberley Stadium on Monday (7.45pm).