The Cappielow club captain had been sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in a closed-doors friendly against former club Dundee at the beginning of the month.

MacDonald, 34, was deemed fit enough to start against the Millers at the weekend, though, and Duffy was encouraged by his display.

The Ton boss told the Tele: “I was delighted for him. I thought his movement was good and he used his experience well, backing into people and taking the ball in.

“He gave us a focal point up front — something we’ve not had all pre-season because we haven’t really had a natural striker available at all in any of the games.

“We’ve had to operate with a front three that is kind of interchanging and trying to create a different way of playing.

“But Peaso certainly gives you that focal point and knowledge in the final third, which we really have been lacking, so I’m delighted to have him back and available.”