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.