However, Duffy feels the 20-year-old is ready to be involved straight away, even if, like McManus, it may only be for part of a game.

“Tam’s general fitness needs worked on a bit, while Joel’s isn’t too bad. But one thing they both need is games,” said Jim. “However, if we can get something out of them right now over the 90 minutes then that’s a bonus.

“We got an hour from Tam on Saturday and, although he wasn’t 100% match fit, he provided that wee bit of spark we’ve been lacking. We’ll be working towards improving their fitness levels over the next few weeks.”

In stressing the importance of any short-term gain, Duffy insisted their truer value, however, would only be realised long term.

He added, “The most important thing for us, is that these guys have committed themselves to the club for longer than a couple of weeks.”

McManus has signed a two-and-a-half year deal, while Kitamirike is tied up until the summer of 2006.

Meanwhile, the adverse weather has scuppered the three Dens trialists’ chances of gaining a contract. The players concerned — a Greek, a Swede and a Norwegian — have all been allowed to go home.

“I’ve explained to all three that I would need to see them in a game and the conditions we’ve had have made that impossible,” explained Jim.

A move for Brighton defender Adam El-Abd has also been scrapped.

The Dark Blues were keen to bring the 20-year-old north on loan, but the Seagulls have been hit by an injury crisis and boss Mark McGhee has been forced to keep the player at the south coast club.

Young midfielder Chris Hegarty has been informed he will be allowed to leave Dens, while former Dee Dougie Cameron has signed for Peterhead.

Dundee have announced ticket details for the derby against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday week. Briefs go on sale to season ticket holders and DSA members tomorrow from the club shop at Dens. Remaining tickets will then go on general release after Saturday’s home game against Hearts.

Prices are: Jerry Kerr Stand £22 (adult), £12 (concession); West Stand £20; Upper Fair Play £22; Lower Fair Play £20.

“Their devotion just amazes me. Between 400 and 600 of them have made the trip to Gretna three times in the last week or so, each time in difficult conditions.

“However, none more so than on Monday night when conditions could only be described at treacherous.

“I went to Monday’s game by car and didn’t get back until 2.15 am — and that was only because some supporters had indicated to us that there may be problems at Auchterarder, so we went by the Kincardine Bridge instead.

“Our A90 fan club’s bus didn’t get back to Aberdeen until 4 am — that’s real devotion for you.

“The team didn’t get back until late yesterday morning, having been forced to abandon their journey home because of the blizzard conditions and check in to a hotel in Dunblane, so they had been away since Sunday lunchtime — two full days! It’s all been quite an experience, but we’re just glad that everyone has arrived home safely and, of course, we managed to win the tie.”

Meanwhile, manager Ian McCall was back at his desk today feeling none the worse for the marathon cup trek.

Defender Scott Paterson has been training with St Johnstone, while Collin Samuel has been linked with Scunthorpe, but there have been no developments on the other Tannadice players who have been told they are free to find another club — Chris Innes and Andy McLaren.

However, with less than two weeks of the transfer window remaining, the manager is hopeful of things “speeding up” in that department.

United continue to keep tabs on young Rangers keeper Graeme Smith.

And there could be another new man.

Saints team boss John Connolly confirmed that the club are to have talks with former Rangers player Stephen Dobbie, who is now with Hibs.

The attacker has failed to win a regular place in the Hibees line-up and is one of the men on the top of Saints’ wanted list.

John is “delighted” to have added Sloan and Cowan to his squad as they were also at the top of his wanted list.

Meanwhile, Dundee United defender Scott Paterson has completed his two-day training stint with Saints. Scott, who has been told he’s surplus

to requirements at Tannadice, is interesting the Perth club.

But today, John commented, “Scott has gone back to Dundee United because he has some issues to sort out. He trained well, but, at this moment, I don’t know if we’ll be pursuing the matter.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Rutkiewicz has recovered from the virus which laid him low over the weekend.