Today, Ian was speaking to both players about their futures and admitted that, with Gallacher, the Tangerines have now put a package together and the only question is when the player will get the offer.

“I’m speaking to him today and I could put it to him, but I might wait until Saturday’s game against Aberdeen is out of the way and leave him to concentrate on that.

“We want him to sign-up for another three years. He has done exceptionally well this season and I would bet a lot on him being in the next Scotland squad (for a friendly against Wales next month).”

While he was on the subject of his goalkeeper, Ian took the opportunity to dismiss lingering speculation that the relationship between player and manager was strained because he had been dropped on a couple of occasions.

“Some sections of the Press seem to want to have us believe there is a problem between Paul and I, but that is not, and never has been, the case,” he said.

“What happened was I made football decisions about Paul and, whether or not he agreed with them, he reacted to them in the best possible way by winning back his place in the team.

“He has been outstanding for us this season and I still say he is the best Scottish keeper around right now.”

Midfielder Holmes impressed again in the Under-21 team’s draw away to Hearts yesterday and he has now done enough to convince his boss he is ready to mount a sustained challenge for a first-team place.

“As I said early in the week, Graeme Holmes has been making very good progress and he showed that again yesterday when he was outstanding.

“He has earned a new deal and I want to see him challenging in the first-team squad now. I’m speaking to him as well and want him fixed up as soon as possible.”

Returning to goalkeepers, back-up man Tony Bullock played for the second string yesterday and should be ready for a place on the bench against the Dons. Chris Innes and Barry Robson were training normally today and they should also be in the weekend squad.

Aberdeen fans have been allocated the ‘Shed’ end at Tannadice on Saturday. Tickets for the derby at Dens Park on Sunday week went on sale to season ticket holders today. They go on general sale from Saturday.

“I am still at the stage of speaking to clubs about the availability of players. A few have been back on to me and we’ve talked about players’ situations, but, so far, nothing has developed beyond that,” said Jim.

“At this stage, I honestly can’t say what the chances are of getting someone for the Thistle game, but, if something is going to happen, things will have to start moving soon.”

Saturday will also be too early for at least two of the three players who have been battling back from injury.

Steve Lovell and Tom Hutchinson are back in training, but will not be ready, and the manager remains reluctant to throw Steven Milne in early again.

“If our reserve game on Monday goes ahead, I would expect Hutchinson and Lovell to be ready to take part in it, but this weekend is too early for them.

“With Savo (Milne), there is a chance he will be in the squad, and I could put him on the bench, but again the concern is if we would be asking too much of him too soon and I don’t want to do that if I have the choice.”

Defender Brent Sancho remains a doubt because of the knee he jarred against Hearts last week. The Trinidad defender has not trained since, but, as was the case at Aberdeen on Saturday, is willing to play.

“His attitude has been fantastic, but I can say the same about all the players. Throughout the problems we’ve had, every one of them has been willing to do anything he can to help out,” added Jim.

“Brent is in the same position as he was a week ago. He is a doubt, but could be on the bench and, if he is needed, I know he will do his best.”

Meanwhile, former Dundee keeper Jamie Langfield, who was sacked when the Dens Park outfit went into administration, has signed for Partick Thistle and is set to face his old club on Saturday.

Dundee have announced the arrangements for fans wishing to purchase tickets for the CIS Cup semi-final against Livingston at Easter Road on February 3.

The allocation of 6600 tickets goes on sale at Dundee Direct to season ticket holders shareholders and supporters’ associations tomorrow from 10 am until 5 pm, Saturday (10 am-2 pm) and Monday (10 am-5 pm).

Tickets will then go on general sale on Tuesday from 10 am.

They are priced at — Family Section (North Stand) £18 for adults, £10 for juveniles. East Stand £18 and West Stand £24 or £22.