He has been suffering from a shoulder problem for a couple of weeks, but was able to step up his workload in training today, leaving boss Jim Duffy cautiously optimistic about his chances for Rugby Park.

“Garry’s improving and he definitely has a chance of returning on Saturday. He has been playing well in our recent games and getting him back would be a boost,” said Jim.

Also on the mend, after a long absence, is young full-back Stephen McNally. Out for several months with a stress fracture to his lower back, McNally did feel some discomfort on his comeback in Tuesday night’s testimonial at Arbroath.

The medical staff at Dens, though, believe that was down to fatigue rather than any recurrence of the problem and McNally could still be seen at first-team level again before the end of the season.

“Stephen came off a bit earlier than we would have liked at Gayfield, but there does not seem to be any problem with his back. If that continues to be the case, I think you will be talking a couple of weeks working in training and he should be ready to come back into the squad,” continued the Dundee manager.

Mark Fotheringham has returned unscathed from his appearance for the Scotland Futures team against Austria in Vienna on Tuesday night, but youngster Scott Robertson is a doubt for the weekend.

He’s done well coming on as a sub during the second half of the season, but a knee injury sustained at Arbroath might rule him out.

“Scott took quite a whack on the knee and it might need a few days to settle down. I have not ruled him out for Saturday yet, but right now he is a definite doubt,” said Jim.

The joint, however, has improved considerably in the last 24 hours and now interim boss Gordon Chisholm is hoping his absence from normal duties will be measured in days, rather than weeks.

“The whole thing is a bit of a mystery because Derek did not feel anything during the game and can’t remember taking a knock.

“It was even a good while after the match before his knee swelled up,” said Gordon.

“It does feel a lot better today, though, and I am still hopeful he will be in the squad against Livingston on Saturday.”

Long-term injuries apart, McInnes was the only player not to take part in today’s first-team squad session.

That spelled good news for goalkeeper Tony Bullock and defender Mark Wilson, both of whom had been taking things easy since the start of the week because of knocks.

Their participation this morning was confirmation they will be in their usual places come Saturday.

Meanwhile, Gordon Chisholm’s No. 2 Tony Docherty has joined an increasing number tipping teenage sensation Garry Kenneth for a big future.

The 17-year-old has been a rock at the heart of the rearguard since being drafted into the team because of injury last month and his performances have not surprised Tony, who worked extensively with the Dundonian at youth team level.

“Garry can go all the way, it’s really going to be up to how much he wants it. He was identified as someone special at a very young age and came through all our Dundee training schools to first-team level,” said Tony.

“He has developed physically and mentally over the last year and you have to keep reminding yourself that he’s only 17.

“He has played against Bellamy, Hartson, Prso, Novo, Riordan, O’Connor and Lee Miller and none of them have had it easy.

“He has a great attitude and is always willing to learn so, if he stays like that, he’ll go right to the top.”