If the man, who has been a big hit with Clyde for the last month, does well over that period, he will be offered a long-term deal to keep him on Tayside.

Ian, though, is aware that, despite getting his man, others remain interested in Kerkar, whose previous clubs include Manchester City and Le Harve in France, the country of his birth.

“I spoke to something like eight different people about Karim and every one of them gave him rave reviews. I also watched him myself and was very impressed,” said Ian today.

“But just seeing him once was not enough to offer him a long-term deal. I was happy to give him four months to prove himself and he was happy with that as well, and I am pleased he has signed up for us.

“It is a good chance for him to show what he can do, but I am aware that if he continues to play as well as when I saw him, others will be chasing him, too.

“Hopefully, though, by that time he will have seen enough of this place to want to stay longer and we will be able to put together a package to keep him.”

A slight thigh strain that forced him off early when Clyde beat Queen of the South at Palmerston last Saturday, meant Kerkar was on the treatment table instead of the training pitch with his new team-mates today.

The injury, however, is not expected to keep him on the sidelines for more than another day or two and he will be fit to be considered for a debut when Aberdeen visit Tannadice on Saturday week.

“It’s important to stress that we are hoping to get some players fixed up, but, right now, nothing has been confirmed,” he said today.

“Last week, we thought we might have people in, but, for one reason or another, it did not happen and I am wary of saying we will definitely have trialists before I actually see them walking through the doors.

“However, I have been speaking to a few people abroad and there is a chance that will lead to something, and the plan certainly is to have some players training with us next week.”

Jim, meanwhile, was delighted with the performance of centre-back Tom Hutchinson when he made his comeback from injury with a half for the reserves at Motherwell on Tuesday. There will, though, be no fast track back to the first team for the big Englishman.

“For his first game back, Tom played very well, but, with the injury problems he’s had, it is going to be a case of easing him back into things.”

Injured goalkeeper Derek Soutar is also making good progress as he recovers from the badly bruised leg that led to him being stretchered off in last week’s CIS Insurance Cup win over Forfar.

Although “Soapy” had not been expected to resume training until next week, there is now a chance he will join in for at least some of tomorrow’s session.

“He might not be diving around, but I think he may be able to do some handling work and then step things up after the weekend,” added Jim.

International fixtures mean there is no game this weekend, but a big turnout is expected at Dens tomorrow night when the Dee 4 Life trust take over the lounges for a social evening of comedy that will also give fans the chance to meet players past and present.

Ex-players attending will include championship-winners Ian Ure and Bobby Seith, while, from the 70s and 80s, Eric Sinclair, Bobby Glennie, Cammy Fraser and Tosh McKinlay will be on hand.

Various packages are on offer and tickets can be bought from Dundee Direct, or at the door on the night, though, it should be noted, the event is only open to trust members.

Former Dundee striker Juan Sara is poised to sign for League of Ireland champions Shelbourne. The Argentinian has suffered injury problems since joining Italian Serie B outfit Reggiana.

Meanwhile, Saints travel to Berwick in the Bell’s Cup quarter-finals. Forfar travel to Clyde. Other ties — Falkirk v. Gretna, Ross County v. Partick. Ties on September 14 or 15.