That announcement should come in the next 24 hours or so and is being regarded by the Tannadice board as a major pre-final boost.

It also comes as little surprise given the interim manager’s record since taking over from Ian McCall in March with the team rooted to the foot of the SPL.

He’s masterminded five victories in the 10 games since, and just one defeat in the last eight outings has seen United stave off the threat of relegation and reach the cup final.

In the process, he has become the choice of players, fans and now the board to take the reins for next season.

Today, Gordon was still not discussing his position, but was instead delighted to now be able to concentrate on and talk about the cup final.

“I’m really happy that the boys did the job on Saturday and we can now enjoy the build up to this Saturday. I’ve not discussed my own situation with the chairman yet, so I’ve nothing to say on that,” he said.

“I’m just pleased for the players and fans that we did what was needed. I thought the boys handled a pressure situation on Saturday brilliantly and we deserved to win, though it was not the greatest game ever.”

Goal hero Barry Robson was red carded in the final minute for a second bookable offence, but is free to face a Celtic side who suffered the agony of letting the SPL title slip to Rangers in the final minutes of the league season yesterday.

Gordon was quick to dismiss suggestions that result will make his team’s task any easier on Saturday.

“They will be gutted, particularly at the way it happened and they will be feeling bad for the next couple of days. However, they are big-time players and they will be lifted and determined by the time they reach Hampden.”

Injured defenders Paul Ritchie and Lee Mair apart, the Tangerines expect to have a full squad to choose from at Hampden.

He’s now about to embark on World Cup duty with Trinidad and will have to find a new club.

Keen to remain in the top flight himself, he understands the cash-strapped Dark Blues battle to survive in the First Division means he is not being offered a new contract.

Before flying out to the Caribbean for a warm-up game against Bermuda on Wednesday, he said, “I am so disappointed that things have turned out this way.

“I understand why, but it hurts a lot because when you see all the fans who were at Livingston you know what a good club this is. I feel part of them and I felt so bad for them at the final whistle, but they were great and kept supporting us.

“Now I have to pick myself up and be ready for the games with Trinidad.

“We’ve got Panama and Mexico on June 4 and June 8 and then I’ll decide my future, but, after this, I want a break from football for a while.”

In the same boat as Sancho is striker Fabian Caballero. Signed with the help of money from fans’ trust Dee 4 Life last October, he is also out of contract soon and Dundee will not be able to keep him.

Striker Steve Lovell, who has a year left on his contract, is set to be sold to bring in needed cash.

Meanwhile, the man whose goal sealed Dundee’s fate has admitted he took no pleasure from it.

Ex-Dundee United midfielder Craig Easton, who still lives in the city, even apologised after Saturday’s draw, which saw Livi stay up.

“I am really sorry and I feel for Dundee. There are a lot of good people at the club and I know how much it means to the city to have both clubs in the Premier,” he said.