The manager, though, believes both would be able to return to top-team action without needing a run-out in the Under-21s to build match sharpness — if they are fit by this weekend.

“They are coming along and I would now expect them to be fit by Saturday. If they are, I would have no worries about using them against Dunfermline because I know they could handle it.

“They have a bit of experience and have been very important players for us this season. As I’ve said before, it is probably only since he has been out that people have realised how good a job McIntyre has been doing.”

While two players are nearing comebacks, two others will be absent over the next few weeks.

It has been confirmed the booking Andy McLaren picked up against Dundee on Sunday will see him suspended for next month’s league matches against Hibs, Celtic and Hearts. With a small squad to pick from, Ian admitted that would be a blow.

Off on international duty later this week will be reserve striker Collin Samuel. He flies to the Caribbean on Thursday to meet up with the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic squad. Although he will be away for around two weeks, Samuel will only miss one top-team game.

The attacker, who was watched by a string of English Premiership clubs while still at Falkirk last season, has struggled to fit in at Tannadice, though, ironically, turned in an encouraging performance in the Under-21 win over Dundee last night.

“I think, in spells, he showed what he has to offer, but there is no question that, so far, he has not been good enough,” added Ian. “Looking at him, he needs to lose a bit of weight and we will make sure he does that.

“He is also still young and has a lot to learn and it could be that next season we will put him out on loan for six months.

“I do, however, still believe he is going to be a player for us and we will be working to make that happen.”

Ian was happy with several performances as the second string chalked up a 2-1 win in the wee derby. Samuel’s fellow-Trinidadian Jason Scotland did his chances of first-team action no harm with a goal and a solid display.

Meanwhile, United have made an inquiry about bringing Gary Wales to Tannadice. However, Aberdeen appear favourites to land the Hearts striker, who spent last week on trial at Walsall.

“You do not expect to come through a derby without any bumps or bruises and that was the case on Sunday. There are a few receiving treatment, but all of them should be OK," said boss Jim Duffy.

The big fitness concern at Dens remains, of course, Scotland defender Lee Wilkie, after he was stretchered off with knee damage against United.

He will have a scan tonight and, while early indications are the injury may not be as bad as first feared, Jim was remaining cautious today.

“We’ll see what the scan shows and, obviously, we hope there is nothing seriously wrong, but we will wait and see what the medical people say.”

There remains a chance Jim will add to his squad before the transfer window closes, but, having already brought in Neil Barrett from Portsmouth and with money tight, that may be an end to his wheeling and dealing.

“If something comes up, we might make a move, but, right now, there is nothing in the offing,” confirmed Jim.

One possible deal he was able to dismiss was a move for Hearts striker Gary Wales, who has also been linked with Dundee United.

“I know absolutely nothing about that one and I have not spoken to anyone about him. I know him and he is a decent player, but he is very similar to what we already have and is not one I have considered.”

Meanwhile, the players' union have said they will lodge appeals with the SPL in a bid to get compensation for the 15 players who were sacked when administrators were called in last November.

The union made identical moves when Motherwell went into administration over a year ago and, so far, none of the players there has seen any cash. Whether or not the union’s move will succeed this time is open to question.

Dee4Life are holding a Sportsman’s Dinner at the Invercarse Hotel on Sunday. Tickets, which cost £40, are still available. Contact Eddie Devlin on 01382 581301.

There had been fears that Dundee, who moved into voluntary administration largely as a result of a £750,000 tax bill owed to the Inland Revenue, might suffer in the same way.

However, administrator Tom Burton today said that the Enterprise Act, which came into being in 2002, was the deciding factor.

A spokesman for Mr Burton explained that Motherwell crashed in April, 2002, shortly before the act abolished the preferential status of tax authorities in company insolvencies. The Inland Revenue, therefore, is entitled to the several hundred thousand pounds owed by the club before any other creditors can be paid. Motherwell contested the issue in the Court of Session, but lost.

Dundee’s move into administration came after the act, meaning that the club can agree repayment terms with all of its creditors on an equal footing, without first of all having to pay anyone in full.

And their chairman Geoff Brown commented, “Caley approached us, but it won’t happen. For a start, the home club must have priority over fixtures and, if Caley are promoted and we, therefore, stay in the First Division, this would be totally impractical.”

Geoff was referring to the juggling about of the SPL fixture list as well as the Scottish League fixture list to fit in both clubs playing at McDiarmid on separate Saturdays.

“If both teams are in the same league, it’s not so much of a problem, but the situation was never on — it’s not even a consideration for us,” Geoff added.

Meanwhile, the Perth men are absolutely desperate to win back their Premierleague place and their squad is getting healthier.

Rudi Vata picked up a hip knock against Raith, but should be back in training tomorrow.

Saints were due at Forfar tonight in the Reserve League (East). Mark Baxter, Paul Lovering and Keigan Parker were all pencilled in for a start, but the game was called off due to frost.