Dundee boss Jim Duffy has admitted he would like to rest Trinidad pair Brent Sancho and Kelvin Jack for Saturday’s trip to face champions Celtic.
Sancho, however, will be a definite starter if he returns uninjured tomorrow from World Cup duty in the Caribbean, while, with Derek Soutar still not 100% fit, Jack could also be on.
The two have been away since the beginning of last week for World Cup qualifiers against St Kitts and, last night, Mexico, who won 3-1 in Port of Spain.
Later today, they were due to make the long journey back to Britain, and Jim knows there is no way either can be 100% for Saturday.
“When you sign players who you know are going to have matches on the other side of the Atlantic, you accept that there are times when they are going to be away,” said Jim.
“Ideally, what you would like is the option to rest them when they are getting back so close to your next game. But, at this time, that is something we do not have.
“In Brent’s case, if he is fit in terms of injuries, he will definitely be in the starting line-up and, depending on ‘Soapy’s’ condition, Kelvin might be in again, too.
“It’s not ideal because, even coming that distance from a holiday leaves you tired, and it’s worse for athletes whose muscles are tightening up after playing.”
One option Jim will not consider is throwing in centre-half Tom Hutchinson, whose return from injury continued with 70 minutes in the reserves on Tuesday.
“In the past, I have taken a chance with players who are on the way back. But we are being a bit more protective of Tom because he has had so many setbacks. We are taking things gradually with him and, in any case, Parkhead is not a place for players who are not fully fit.”
Soutar, meanwhile, was stepping up his work, though he still has a bit to go to prove he is ready for a return against the Hoops.
DUNDEE UNITED should have a clearer indication by the morning whether or not injured duo Mark Wilson and Karim Kerkar will be available for the meeting with Aberdeen at Tannadice. Wilson stepped up his training today and Kerkar is due to join in with the squad tomorrow morning. If they suffer no reaction, they should make the squad.
The Tangerines have announced reduced admission prices of £12 for adults and £7 for concessions for the CIS Cup tie against Clyde on Tuesday, September 21. United had wanted even bigger reductions, but agreement on that was not forthcoming from the First Division leaders, who get a share of the gate.