And centre-half Chris Innes also had to make an early exit when he suffered a recurrence of the groin problems that has dogged him for the last few weeks.

“I’d say Jim has no chance for Saturday and that is a blow because he has been such an influential player for us this season,” said boss Ian McCall.

“I don’t think people realise what a key player he is until he goes off. On Saturday, we missed him after he got the injury.”

Ian felt Innes’ departure was also a big blow and described the 3-1 defeat as, “Just one of those days when everything that could go wrong did.

“We were one up and cruising.

“But the injuries affected us and we had no luck when Jim’s header came back off the inside of the post just before half-time.

“If that one had gone in, it would have been game over.”

United have agreed to provide their supporters federation with subsidised bus travel to Dunfermline on Saturday.

A similar exercise was undertaken last season to encourage a greater support at crucial away fixtures and proved highly successful.

The scheme is available only to clubs affiliated to the federation.

All bookings and inquiries must be directed to them and not Dundee United.

Any member club wishing to take advantage of the subsidy should contact federation chairman Angus Falconer by phoning 07931 888732.

The manager hopes as many clubs as possible take up the offer.

“The backing of the fans is hugely important to the team and could be a crucial factor in this game,” he added.

“A large vociferous travelling support will go a long way to help offset the fact that we are away from home.

“I think the fans can sense that we’re all in this together now and I hope as many Arabs as possible make the trip to Dunfermline next week.”

Tonight’s U/21 game against Motherwell has been switched from Station Park, Forfar, to Tannadice.