Disbelief at that assessment of a man who scored the winner in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs, quickly turned into outrage at Tannadice and a determination to right what they believe is a disgraceful wrong. There was also feeling for the player, who was said to be devastated when told of the decision via a phone call to Miami, where he is preparing for the Gold Cup with Trinidad.

And his gaffer did not miss the members of the panel when he fired a broadside today.

“It’s a shocker, and for them to give the reasons they have is unbelievable. For five footballing members to say he was not an influential part of our squad leaves me doubting their wisdom and asking if they watch Dundee United play,” said Gordon.

“We just cannot accept this, and if those five members watched United on a regular basis they would know he is a player with ability, who excites fans. Other than the Old Firm, every other club in the SPL would take Jason if they could and I know for a fact that two have tried to sign him since I became manager.”

United’s fury was only increased by suggestions that Scotland’s dispute with Trinidad over his hairstyle had been resolved some time ago, so there was no reason other than lack of ability for him not playing more regularly at international level and meet the required number of appearances to have automatically been granted a new permit.

They have also been angered by the use of the statistic that he only started two of the final 10 games of last season to show he was not a regular.

“Jason was told in front of witnesses by the old Trinidad manager (Bertile St Clair) that he would not play until he had his hair cut and it is only now a new man (Leo Beenhakker) is in that he has returned to the squad. He would have been back in May, but missed out so he could play in the cup final for us.

“And to say he is not influential for us is just wrong. He was only out of our 18 three times last season, twice because of injury and once because he did not get back from an international in time.

“He started a lot of games on the bench, but it is a squad game and he has come on in most games and done very well. In the last 10 games, the only reason he was not starting was because he was injured.

“He missed a couple of games because of that and then declared himself fit when he maybe should not have and went on the bench. Now, because he has done that for the sake of the team, they are saying he was not good enough to start and shouldn’t get a permit.

“I’ll say it again — you have to doubt if they have seen him regularly when they come to a judgment like this. All they had to do was ask United fans if they wanted to know how good he is. By doing what they’ve done, they’ve left a boy devastated. I spoke to him on the phone and he was distraught, but I have promised Jason I will fight as much as I can to get him back here.”

Gordon would not be drawn on the wisdom behind the make-up of a panel that goes under the banner of the Home Office, but was made up of SPL secretary Ian Blair and included football men Peter Cormack, Murdo McLeod, Pat Stanton, Tommy McIntyre and union boss Tony Higgins.

That they all have a past connection with Hibs will raise a few eyebrows, and a club once known for it’s “Famous Five” might now be associated with an infamous quintet.

More significant to United, is the fact that, with the exception of respected television and radio pundit MacLeod — who waxed lyrical about Scotland after his match-winning semi-final performance against Hibs in April — there is no reason to believe any of the panel has regularly watched the player.

While there is no right of appeal to challenge what was already technically an appeal hearing, United will fight long and hard to save their man’s SPL career.

They have enlisted the help of local MPs, while fans have already started an internet petition to be presented to Home Secretary Charles Clarke. Anyone wanting to sign can do so at www.petitiononline.com/united1/petition.html.

Wilkie was accompanied on his trip across the pond by club doctor Phyllis Windsor and she has been keeping boss Jim Duffy updated by email. The latest message, this afternoon, brought encouraging news.

“Phyllis said the surgeons were happy with the op and Lee should get out of the hospital tomorrow. The graft appears to have fitted well, so it’s a case of so far so good,” said Jim.

“She also said it’s in the 80s over there and they are 8000 feet up, but it’s a ski resort and out of season so there isn’t much to do, but I suppose you can’t have everything,” he laughed.

Wilkie first ruptured knee ligaments against Dundee United last year and his career was threatened when he suffered a recurrence of the injury on the same knee late last season.

Back here, the manager was continuing with pre-season training, which, despite uncertainty caused by the Hassan Kachloul affair and discussions over wage cuts for players, has been going well. Meanwhile, midfielder Mark Fotheringham should learn over the weekend whether or not he has secured a move to Germany. He has now arrived for a trial with Freiburg.

“I know from bringing players here from overseas how hard it can be for them to impress in a short space of time, but, if it comes down to technical ability, then Mark has a good chance, because, although we often talk down that side of our game, it is not something he is lacking in,” added Jim.

Also present was John Henry, the former Falkirk player, who is on trial with Saints.