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.