Last month, gaffer Ian McCall was less than impressed at the player’s condition when he returned from two weeks away, during which he seemed to have done little training and saw just five minutes action.

“Jason came back half-a-stone overweight and that cost him a starting place for us. He knows that, but he’s a good boy and has been working very hard to get his sharpness back,” said Ian.

“I was surprised but delighted when he was left out of the international squad this time because it meant we could continue to work him hard in training.

“He’s looking good and I’m pleased because, in the last four or five months of last season, he was a very big player for us and that is the kind of form I am looking for from him now.”

The only factor against a Scotland start at Easter Road is the way front two Jim McIntyre and James Grady played in the defeat against Celtic last week.

“I have to say that, despite the result, I did not think Grady and McIntyre did badly.

“But, from Jason’s point of view, at least he is in contention for a starting place again and that is something.”

Meanwhile, Hibs’ request to move the game against United back 24 hours to Sunday has been rejected by the SPL.

Manager Tony Mowbray has been left frustrated with many of his first-team players away on international duty before he can get his side back together to prepare for Saturday.

ALSO a possible starter this weekend is Dundee front man Fabian Caballero.

The Argentine got 15 minutes or so against Aberdeen in his first game after re-signing for the Dark Blues and has been worked hard in training since. He will play in a closed-door match this evening — and that could leave him fit enough to be on from the beginning when Kilmarnock visit Dens.

With fellow-strikers Steve Lovell and John Sutton’s performances this term pleasing boss Jim Duffy, that could mean a three-pronged attack against Killie.