MacLean is expected to replace Thomspn alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for the matches over the Christmas period. MacLean is likely to get the nod over Robbie Fowler who will be on the bench.
"I'm fit, I'm ready and raring to go," MacLean, who has recovered from a knee ligament injury sustained in August, told the Echo.
"If I am given a run of games I will score goals."
So far this season MacLean has been limited to just 5 league starts scoring 1 goal.