Kerkar, who put pen to paper on a short-term deal earlier this week, has a thigh strain picked up at previous club Clyde.

However, boss Ian McCall is optimistic both will be fit when Jimmy Calderwood’s high-flying Dons make the trip down the east coast for next Saturday’s SPL fixture.

“Mark and Karim have been on the treatment table,” said Ian.

“Both have been responding well and, at this point, I’d say their chances of facing Aberdeen are 50-50.”

With no fixture tomorrow, the United manager will watch former club Falkirk take on Partick Thistle at Firhill.

DUNDEE and Livingston have agreed to cut prices for their forthcoming CIS Insurance Cup match at Almondvale.

The game takes place on Tuesday, September 21 (KO 7.45), and adults can gain entry for £12, with concessions £7.

David Hannah has recovered from tonsillitis and is back in the squad for tomorrow’s away league game against Hamilton. Also in the squad are new signings Alan Mahood and Ryan McCann, although neither is expected to start.

Sean Webb joins the injured list and, having played well and scored after he came on in Tuesday’s 3-0 Bell’s Cup win over QOS at McDiarmid Park, Kevin Rutkiewicz has given himself the opportunity of claiming a starting berth tomorrow.

“I’ll decide nearer kick-off time what my line up will be,” said John. “Our last two results have been cracking ones, a 1-0 league win over Raith and a 3-0 Bell’s Cup win over QOS, and we’re hoping to keep our winning form going.”

Kevin Fotheringham, a scorer in both his games for Saints so far, returns to face one of his former teams.

“The last time I played at Hamilton, it was in the Brechin team that clinched promotion to the First Division,” said Kevin. “So I have fairly recent happy memories of the ground. I’m delighted to be at Saints and am pleased with the way I’ve started. Two goals is a good way to start and the one against QOS was the more spectacular. Mind you, I scored three or four like that for Brechin.”

Saints, who have previously hosted a non-cap rugby game against Italy, plus A and U/21 rugby internationals, have been in discussion with the Scottish Rugby Union, and there’s likely to be a formal SRU announcement next week.

As Saints are due to face Ross County at home that day, that particular kick-off will be brought forward to allow the stadium to be cleaned and the pitch to be converted to rugby goals and markings prior to the international kick-off.

With the rugby following the football, it’s believed to be the first time this has ever happened in Scotland.

The team have taken part in three training sessions so far, and are hoping that this will have given them enough time to find their feet.

Former Stars back-up netminder Stewart Rugg has signed for the Dundee Tigers Scottish National League team.

The Aberdeen-born 21-year-old spent three seasons with the Stars.

Meanwhile, Stars have joined forces with Radio Tay’s Caring For Kids charity, pledging to generate cash to help youngsters in Tayside and Fife during the coming campaign.

The team will be organising fund-raising throughout matches as well as donating a number of tickets to allow local children’s groups to come to each match.

Dundee-born Stars forward Paul Berrington said, “Every new season is exciting, but I’m really looking forward to the new challenges this year.

“Caring For Kids is such a worthwhile cause, and I know the team will do all they can to raise funds for the charity. It’s great to give something back to the community which supports us.”

Radio Tay’s Caring For Kids co-ordinator Alastair Brookes said, “Caring For Kids are absolutely delighted to be involved with the Stars, and hope that it proves to be a long and fruitful relationship.”