And, following United’s qualification via the Scottish Cup for next season’s competition, some had suggested the playing surface at Tannadice might also not reach the criteria demanded by Europe’s governing body.

However, club chairman Eddie Thompson moved swiftly today to dismiss any thought his team will play their Euro ties anywhere other than at their home ground.

“As soon as we realised we had qualified for Europe, our company secretary Spence Anderson checked out various aspects of our stadium — the pitch size, floodlighting, etc., — and we are satisfied it meets the UEFA requirements,” said Eddie.

“Indeed, we’re hoping to find out within the next few days the dates when we will be playing in the competition.”

Meanwhile, on the playing front, the Tangerines were back in training today after their stunning win against Rangers on Tuesday. However, missing from their ranks were midfield pair Grant Brebner and Barry Robson, who are both carrying knocks.

With Hearts at Tannadice on Saturday, interim boss Gordon Chisholm took the opportunity to watch John Robertson’s side lose in the Edinburgh derby last night.

“I thought Hearts had the better of the first half, but Hibs came back strongly after the break, although I’m not sure if they deserved all three points,” said Gordon.

“However, what’s of more concern to me is what we do. Our next game against Hearts is so important because we must look to build on what we’ve done over the past week.”

In addition, vouchers will be issued to all United fans attending the next two home games — starting on Saturday v. Hearts.

Holders of two vouchers will be entitled to apply for a cup final ticket in one of the priority sales periods.

It is anticipated that cup final ticket sales will start the week commencing Monday, May 2, firstly to season-ticket holders and then to semi-final ticket stub-holders.

From Monday, May 9, tickets will go on sale to voucher-holders and on general sale from the week commencing May 16.

If a season-ticket holder has a semi stub and collects both vouchers, he/she will be entitled to apply for three tickets.

Non season-ticket holders who attended the semi and have both vouchers, will be entitled to apply for two tickets.

Dundee United Football Club stress that, until their allocation is known, they can’t guarantee tickets and that these arrangements are only provisional.

It’s a severe blow to Jim Duffy, especially as it comes in the wake of the injury to Lee Wilkie, and it leaves the Dens gaffer having to find replacements for two of his generals.

“It would be a big blow to have one, never mind two, missing,” said Jim.

“It’s certainly not ideal, especially the injury to Lee, because the defence is a department that has looked very strong in recent weeks. But we’ve got to accept it and get on with it.”

Jim took in Caley’s victory over Motherwell on Tuesday and is anticipating a tough encounter as the Highlanders push for a top-six finish.

“They’ve had two great 1-0 wins in their last two games against Motherwell and Killie, and recently went to Ibrox and picked up a point, so that shows they are a good side,” added Jim.

“Craig Brewster rested himself against Motherwell, but I would expect he’ll play on Saturday.

“It’ll definitely be a very difficult match for us and a real test of our character.”

The manager was set to check on the fitness of Stevie Lovell, Tam McManus, Garry Brady and Neil Barrett, who are all carrying knocks.

“We’re now fielding him at centre-half and he’s a good defender with good habits. He’s aggressive and a winner,” said Jim.

Jim was happy with the side’s 2-0 away friendly win over Dumbarton. Saints fielded a mixture of fringe first-team players and youngsters.

“The boys worked hard and there were two or three good individual performances. It’s given me food for thought for Saturday’s game at Partick.”