And the 26-year-old has admitted the thought that he’ll be playing most of his football at Tannadice from now on is a nice one.

“I was saying to the manager when we were discussing this deal that, in recent seasons, I’ve had a good record with Hibs against United, but there’s been a lot of games when they were clearly the better side,” said Brebner shortly after putting pen to paper.

“Games against Dundee United have been good for me and, in fact, I think I’ve scored more goals here than I have at Easter Road. Hopefully that will continue.”

Brebner’s first-ever senior goal, in fact, came against the Tangerines while he was on loan to the Hibees, although that’s a day he would rather forget.

“It was at Easter Road and, although I scored the opener, we went on to lose 2-1 and that effectively relegated us.”

He also admitted to sharing the general surprise that new Easter Road boss Tony Mowbray had decided to let him go and free up cash to make new signings.

Diplomatically, however, the former U/21 international pointed out that every manager had the right to bring in their own personnel.

“It would be disrespectful of me to the manager and Dundee United to sit here and talk about the Hibs thing.

“All I’ll say is I was looking forward to this season there, but now I am excited by this challenge and looking forward to the season as a Dundee United player.”

His new gaffer was pleased that an 18-month wait to get his man was over.

“I’ve been trying to sign Grant Brebner for Dundee United since I came here and it’s good to get him. He will add something to our squad and he is available for selection from tomorrow,” said Ian.

The transfer deadline falls on Tuesday, but United are still working towards adding one more body to their ranks before then.

Season ticket holders can use the £5 voucher that was included with their tickets for tomorrow’s game. The vouchers can be passed on to family or friends, who will then get in for a reduced price.

With Soutar failing to recover in time, the Trinidad international will be on from the start at Easter Road and promises he will take that in his stride, just as he did in midweek.

“I am an international keeper and I’ve played in some big games, so, while it was a tricky situation the other night and there was a bit of pressure, I was not worried about going on,” he said.

“It was not how I would have liked to have got my first game because you never want to see one of your team-mates injured, but it was good to get a game.

“It was my first match since a reserve game for Oldham in England and, now that I'll be playing against Hibs, it was good that I have had some match practice.”

His lack of action since moving to Scotland has been down to a toe injury, but now he is approaching full fitness he is ready to challenge Soutar for the first-team jersey.

“I came here after speaking to Brent (Sancho), who is a good friend of mine, and Jim Duffy, and they really sold the club to me. However, the manager made it clear there were no automatic choices and I am experienced enough to know that I will have to work to get a place in the team.

“I want to do well and I want to help the team to get a good result. We have a two-week break after this game so it is important that we do not lose.”

While Dundee will be inactive, Jack and team-mate Sancho face a long trip to do battle with St Kitts and Mexico in World Cup qualifiers in the Caribbean.

Although goalkeeper Soutar has not made it, skipper Barry Smith and full-back Jonay Hernandez are expected to recover from CIS Cup knocks. Steven Robb and Stephen McNally, however, remain doubtful.

Tributes will be paid tomorrow to legendary winger Gordon Smith, who died earlier this month and who won championship medals with Hibs and Dundee, as well as Hearts.

There will be books of condolence in all stands at Easter Road, while several of his ex-team-mates from both clubs will be introduced to the crowd before kick-off.

Among those will be Bert Slater, Ian Ure, Hugh Robertson and Bobby Cox, who played alongside Smith at Dens Park.

The home side have the added burden of being minus the suspended Michael Moore and Sean Webb and the injured Peter MacDonald, Ross Forsyth, Mark Baxter, Martyn Fotheringham and Paul Bernard.

On the credit side, Ian Maxwell has recovered from illness and Stephen McConalogue returns from injury.

Defender Steven Anderson joined from Dundee United this week and was quickly followed by defender or midfield man Kevin Fotheringham, who came from Clyde in a deal which saw Eddie Malone going in the opposite direction.

Both are in tomorrow’s pool and likely to start.

Another United man, Collin Samuel, is also believed to be interesting Saints, but any move would be on a loan basis.

And Saints have denied rumours that they’re keen to sign Forfar front man Paul Tosh.

“We have to get in amongst the other teams when we have the amount of bodies out that we have,” said John. “Every game is a cup tie for us just now and we need a break. But, once we get one, we’ll be OK.”

Raith broke their duck last week, courtesy of a draw against Airdrie and new assistant manager John Hollins believes it was a point well earned. He’s called on the Stark’s Park side to ensure they take something from every game.

“Saturday was encouraging. It was reason to be cheerful part one, but we have to improve a lot more and need to do better at set-pieces. You have to be like a points machine and pick up a point or three every week,” added Hollins.

Raith have one or two players who have been suffering from a flu virus, but they are expected to be OK.

But definitely out is influential former Congo international Jules Tchimbakala, just when he was beginning to return to full fitness after a series of injuries. He broke an arm in a midweek reserve fixture against East Fife and will be out for several weeks.