In fact, he insists he will continue to keep his players’ preparations low-key for what many are describing as the most important city derby in 25 years.

“People have said it’s the biggest derby since the 1980 League Cup Final, and they are probably right. You only have to look at the league table to see how important it is,” he said.

“This game is about much more than just bragging rights, whoever wins will take a massive step towards safety.

“Our preparations have not changed at all over the last six weeks, we’ve looked at every game the same. We’ve been training at a very high intensity so it would be almost impossible to crank it up even more just because of who we are playing.

“You can sense that something is going on because of the media attention and the buzz about the city itself, but it won’t be until tomorrow or Friday that the players really get a feel for it. That’s the way I want it because nothing can take our focus away from those three points.”

Derek McInnes and Jason Scotland are United’s only injury concerns. Both players are struggling with knee injuries.

“Derek and Jason haven’t trained this week, so it’s really difficult to say whether they will be involved on Saturday,” added Gordon.

“We’ll monitor them over the next few days and take things from there.”

United’s Under-21 side won 2-1 at Kilmarnock yesterday, and striker James Grady did his derby prospects no harm by grabbing one of the goals. Willie Easton was the other Tangerine scorer.

At Dens, Dundee’s main concern continues to be the fitness of central defender Brent Sancho, who damaged ankle ligaments in the defeat at Kilmarnock at the weekend.

If the Trinidadian fails to recover, it could force manager Jim Duffy into a reshuffle at the back with Callum Macdonald moving alongside Bobby Mann at the heart of the defence and Stephen McNally being risked at right-back.

McNally has only just recovered from a back injury, but, with limited options, the manager may decide to gamble on his inclusion.

Meanwhile, Dundee will screen the derby live over the internet to fans across the globe. It will be the first-ever live broadcast over the web from Dens.

Supporters within the UK can watch a delayed transmission from midnight on Sunday. The price for both screenings has still to be set.

SJFA secretary Tom Johnston confirmed today that junior football’s showpiece event would be played in the City of Discovery on Sunday, May 29, and urged the people of Dundee to come out and support it.

“We’ve agreed to move the game to Tannadice. We’ve been at Firhill for something like the last seven years, but we believe this decision is in the best interests of Scottish Junior Football,” said Johnston.

“It’s now up to the Dundee public to ensure it is well supported.”

The news is sure to spark delight among local junior followers, who faced the prospect of having to travel to Glasgow for the second year running following last year’s final between Tayport and Carnoustie.

It’s also likely to see a marked increase in attendance, after only 3030 watched last season’s final.

The game will be screened live in Scotland by Scottish TV.

Both clubs welcomed today’s decision.

Lochee United supremo Tom McMillan said, “I’m absolutely delighted, and it is good to see common sense applied.

“This is great news for the city, and I’m sure there will be a bumper crowd.”

Across the river, Tayport secretary Abby Oswald greeted the news with, “Superb, I’m well chuffed with this decision.

“Most of all, though, I’m delighted for our supporters, who have had to do quite a bit of travelling in recent years.

“I know it will be well supported by junior supporters, but it is also a great opportunity for other people to come out and support the junior game when they might not have done so had the final been played in the west.

“It’s sure to be a wonderful, carnival affair.

“Our club has had an affinity with Dundee for around 50 years (amateur and junior), with many of our players coming from the city through the years.

“It’s absolutely wonderful that the final of this cup is to be played in Dundee for the first time since the competition started in 1886.”

Whyte and Mackay East Region secretary Jock Myles also expressed his delight.

“It’s great news and I just hope everything goes well on the day.”