However, Anderson is still some way off a return to action and boss Jim Duffy insists he won’t take any risks with his 27-year-old playmaker.

“Iain has had a frustrating time of it,” said Jim. “But we will have to be cautious in terms of his return to match action. He can now take part in competitive training, but we will take things stage by stage from there.”

Brent Sancho was able to do some light work with coach Ray Farningham today, but it’s still touch and go whether the Trinidadian defender will be fit in time for Saturday’s derby against United.

Meanwhile, Farningham hailed the recent three-week training camp in Cyprus with a group of Dundee youth players as a great success. Thanks to funding from the Leonardo da Vinci Trust, Farningham and fellow-coach Steve Campbell took a squad of 20 players to a state-of-the-art facility 20 miles outside Limassol.

The Dark Blues played two games, beating Famagusta 7-2 and losing 4-3 to Apollon Limassol, but, more importantly, the players were able to work in an ideal environment.

“The trip was excellent in terms of conditions and facilities. Everything was in place for us and the boys really enjoyed it,” said Ray. “I’ve got to say the squad’s attitude was first class and it will act as a great learning curve for them. The whole trip was really worthwhile.”

While away, Farningham met up with former Dark Blue Temuri Ketsbaia, and the Georgian, who is now on the coaching staff at Famagusta, passed on his best wishes to everyone at Dens.