However, Jefferies has a proven track record at club level in Scotland, having done well at Falkirk, before taking over at Hearts and leading the Tynecastle club to a 1998 Scottish Cup Final win over Rangers.

Today, United spokesman Malcolm Brown insisted Jefferies’ name being thrown into the hat was purely speculation. But he admitted, just as with Neale Cooper last week, there was little the Tangerines could do about it. He said, “When it becomes known that a potential manager’s job such as this is going, there is always going to be speculation — last week it was Neale Cooper. There is nothing Dundee United can do about it.

“The chairman has consistently said he is in no rush to make a decision and there are still applications coming in on a daily basis. Over the course of time, we will draw up a short-list and look at all possibilities, with Gordon (Chisholm) very much in the frame.”

For his part, Chisholm stressed he had heard nothing about the subject, although he expected to be kept informed if anything did happen.

He said, “I’ve got a job to do here without commenting on anything else. But it was the board who appointed me interim manager and I would expect to hear from them first if anything was going on.”

Meanwhile, the Tangerines were boosted by news that defender Stuart Duff has signed an extended deal that will keep him at Tannadice until 2008.

“I’m delighted Stuart has finally decided to commit himself to the club. He has a good attitude and can play in a number of positions,” added Chisholm.

Striker James Grady returned to training today after missing out earlier this week due to a bug.

Mike McCurry will referee United’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs on April 9, while Monday’s Youth Cup semi-final against St Mirren will be played at Tannadice (KO 7 pm). Admission is free.

Jim Jefferies’ Killie are up first, but, despite the fact Dundee turned in one of their best performances of the season in beating the Rugby Park side 3-1 at Dens earlier in the campaign, Jim is taking nothing for granted.

“That game doesn’t matter now,” he said.

“What interests me more is that we play with the same commitment and attitude we have shown in our last two matches against Rangers and Aberdeen.

“We may not have been playing silky soccer in those games, but what we have shown is our desire and determination.

“If we can add a bit of football to that spirit, then it’s a bonus. But, if we continue with the same attitude, then we have half a chance.”

Long-term injuries apart, Jim has a healthy squad from which to choose, although the manager will check on the fitness of Trinidad and Tobago defender Brent Sancho when he returns from international duty on Friday.

“I also have high hopes for goalkeeper Gordon O’Brien. He’s a bit younger than the rest, but he, too, has great potential.

“Our U/19s won the Scottish Football League title and Stevie, Andy, Willie and Kevin are members of that side.

“And two others, Chris Anton and Jonathan Black, have been on international duty with the Scottish Schools.

“I’m delighted Stevie, Andy and Willie have made it into the top team. And that has given the others a boost.”

The return of Scott Corbett to the side last month meant that Stars now have nine imports on their books, and Mark has been forced to watch games from the stands along with the injured Paul Berrington and James Hutchinson.

Coach Hunt said, “We have been on a winning streak and I have found it difficult to change the line-up. This is no way a reflection on Mark.

“His attitude has been outstanding. He works hard in practice and is fully behind the guys. There are times when you have to make a decision as a coach and that decision must be for the team and not for individuals.

“Mark understands this and, although he is extremely disappointed not to have been playing in the last few games, he knows that his chance will come before these finals are over.

“He is a quality player with a quality attitude and it just endorses the team spirit we have at Dundee.

“There is a lot of hockey to be played and we are prepared for it. We have the best and loudest fans in the country and they won’t settle for second best.”

Stars are anxiously awaiting the outcome of tomorrow’s Fife Flyers/Guildford Flames semi-final. Preliminary fixtures have been announced for either result, with Stars being at home on Sunday for the second game in the best-of-five series.

A selection of younger Stars players will play a game against Swedish outfit Tyringe at Dundee Ice Arena tomorrow. Face-off is 7.30 pm. Entry is £2 for adults and £1 for children.