With kick-off less than 72 hours away, injuries mean he still has a big hole to fill in the middle of his defence and the picture further forward is only marginally better.

With Chris Sutton and Alan Thompson suspended because of red cards in last weekend’s Old Firm clash, Hoops boss Martin O’Neill will have no option other than to change the team that managed a creditable draw against Spanish giants Barcelona in the Nou Camp last night.

His opposite number believes the combination of the O’Neill factor and Celtic’s large squad means there is no reason to believe they will miss their two English stars.

“You’ll get the usual question about whether they will be tired after two such big games inside a week and if they will be weakened, but I expect them to be as strong as ever,” said Jim today.

“Over the past few years, Martin O’Neill has shown time and time again that when it comes to man management he is the best in this country. He constantly gets another level out of his players when people least expect it and that means that, whatever has gone on before you play them, you know it’s going to be extremely tough against Celtic.”

Just as difficult to cope with could be the standard of player the Celtic boss can bring in to replace his suspended pair — and anyone else he feels is in need of a rest after the exertions of the past few days.

“If Martin wants to freshen things up, he can call on talent like Juninho, McGeady, Wallace and Sylla, and they are all dangerous players.

“That’s the difference between his situation and my situation. When he has holes to fill he can do it with quality, whereas I’ve to look to young boys and hope they can learn as they go.

“That’s not a complaint, it’s just the way it is and, from my point of view, I have to hope that, over the course of a season, my players are fit for most of the games. If they are, I am confident that we can compete in the SPL.”

Still unfit today were Tom Hutchinson and Callum Macdonald, one of whom Jim would like to use as a deputy for Brent Sancho if, as is 99% certain, he misses out because of hamstring trouble.

With players like Alex Cerdeira, Glenn Larsen, Iain Anderson and Steven Robb also either still unfit or badly lacking match sharpness after being out injured, it will be another late team selection from Dundee.

The Dark Blues and neighbours United are both now selling half-season tickets, which will be valid from the start of the festive programme next month.

And, while he does not think Robson has produced his best often enough this season, boss Ian McCall is delighted to have his dead-ball specialist in his plans.

“I don’t believe he has reached the heights of last season and, with the season not that far off the halfway mark, that is disappointing,” said Ian. “But Barry will still do three or four things in a game that shows what a good player he is.

“With him, you are always guaranteed he’ll put in a good shift for you. When he came here he was not known for the defensive side of his game, but I think he realised it had to improve if he was going to succeed in the SPL and he has worked very hard on that.”

Meanwhile, with roadworks on the A90 approaching Aberdeen not as bad as was feared, outwith the morning rush hour, Ian has abandoned plans to take the team north tomorrow and spend the night in a hotel.

Fans heading to the game on Saturday, though, should allow more time for their journey.

Saints expect Mark Baxter and Ross Forsyth to return to training later today following spells out due to injury.

The club have disciplined central defender Kevin Rutkiewicz. He was sent off in the first half at Falkirk last Saturday for an alleged off-the-ball incident with the score at 1-1.

Saints went on to lose 3-1 and Connolly commented, “Kevin and I have had a chat about things and he’s been disciplined. Due to suspension, he misses this Saturday’s home match against Clyde and the following game away to Partick.”

“Our discipline record this season is not good enough.”