“Fabian told me after the closed doors game at Brechin last night that he had to go home to Paraguay for personal reasons,” said boss Jim Duffy.

“After he explained what exactly the matter was, I told him that I thought he could wait until after the Killie game before going home. But he said he had to leave straight away. In fact, he had already bought a plane ticket.

“Officially, I have not given him permission to go, but, short of putting him under house arrest or handcuffing him to a goalpost, there’s not much I can do if he just ups and leaves.

“I’m expecting him back tomorrow week and knowing the type of guy he is, I genuinely expect him to be back focused on his football.

“But he’s just the type of guy that when he has a problem, he has to deal with it immediately.”

Meanwhile, legendary Brazilian names run off the tongue such as Pele, Zico, Ronaldo, Garrincha, Vava, and so on.

But Dundee’s latest signing target from that South American country has more of a Scottish ring to his name.

Alexandre Cerdeira, or “Alex”, as manager Jim Duffy has dubbed him, has been one of two Brazilians training with the Dens Park club over the last few weeks and, while his countryman has gone home, Alex is set to be offered terms.

“Alex played and scored in the 1-0 closed doors win at Brechin City last night and looked good,” revealed Jim today.

“In fact, he’s showed up well in training since he came, and we’ll be offering him a deal to sign for us. With Bobby Linn having gone, we’re a bit short-handed up front.

“Of course, trying to sign players at the moment brings all the usual problems for us. I’ve spoken to the directors about Alex, and we’ll be offering him a deal. Whether or not he accepts it remains to be seen.”

Returning to last night’s game, Jim was buoyed by several of his players getting good run-outs.

“Fabian Caballero played for 80 minutes and Tom Hutchinson came through unscathed and, again, that’s a bonus. Also, Neil Jablonski took part and came through OK.”

Also in the Dark Blues line-up last night were Garry Brady and Mark Fotheringham. “I felt it was important to keep them playing, especially in Mark’s case as he is banned,” added Jim.

Tickets for DUNDEE UNITED’S match at Rangers a week on Sunday are on sale tomorrow and Friday at the club shop (Tannadice Street) to season ticket holders. From Saturday, they go on general sale. The United squad had today off.