Robson missed last week’s opener against Aberdeen courtesy of the red card picked up for his wild celebrations and then a late tackle in the minutes after he scored the goal that ended relegation fears at Inverness in last season’s final game.

So far as most United fans were concerned, his one-match ban was a small price to pay for safety.

But, as he looked forward to his belated beginning, Robson still felt a sense at frustration over sitting out the Dons draw.

“You never like missing a game and when you see the stadium full like it was you are not happy.

“But it’s over now and I am looking forward to being involved at Celtic,” he said.

“It’s been a good pre-season for me, I’m feeling good and fit, but, like everyone else, I need some real games to get right back. I couldn’t have picked a better one to start than this.”

Until their upturn in form on Tuesday, when they narrowly missed out on the biggest Champions League comeback ever, Celtic looked vulnerable.

Five goals against in their first leg against Artmedia Bratislava, and another four conceded at Motherwell, had made this look like a good time to be facing the Hoops.

Good or bad, though, Robson believes it is wise to ignore recent events when facing the Old Firm.

“I never look at how they have been doing as a factor. All you have to do with Rangers and Celtic is look at their team sheet and that tells you it is going to be a hard game. They have good players and these are always tough matches.”

Even so, Robson feels the Tangerines head west with a fighting chance of coming back with something.

“In all but one of our games last season, there was only a goal between us and Celtic, and maybe this time we will get a break against them.

“To get one, though, we’ll have to play well first and earn a result.”

Robson’s return to the team could not be better timed, and next Thursday will see him make his UEFA Cup debut when the squad travels to Finland to face MyPa 47, a game that is being shown live on BBC TV.

He refuses, though, to even think about that until the final whistle tomorrow.

“The manager has not even spoken about Europe yet, and all I am thinking about is Celtic.

“It’s going to be a big week for us, but when you are going to a place like Parkhead, you cannot afford to have any distractions.”

Robson for Stuart Duff and Garry Kenneth for the injured Paul Ritchie are likely to be the only changes to Gordon Chisholm’s line-up, while Celtic will hand Japanese international captain Shunsuke Nakamura his debut.

Meanwhile, rumoured Celtic target Mark Wilson has signed a two-year extension to his deal with the Tangerines.

Negotiations with the U/21 international’s agent have been taking place all summer and he has now put pen to paper.

The manager remains hopeful of also getting Barcelona left-back Pena Gonzalez on a year’s loan. But, having already had to deal with a couple of hiccups in that deal, he won’t count his chickens until everything has been finalised.

“I definitely believe we can do well and I’ve been enjoying myself here from day one. The gaffer’s great, the boys have been brilliant, and there is a good spirit among the squad,” he said.

“The gaffer has already made everyone aware the First Division is going to be a very hard league. My experience of it is that it’s tough and physical and we will have to work hard to get out of it.

“No one will give you an easy time, but we expect that and we’ll be ready for it. I’ve already seen here we’re encouraged to play football and that’s good.”

Tomorrow sees one of the most important league campaigns in his new club’s history kick-off at Dens against St Mirren, a side Madaschi is tipping to be one of the Dark Blues’ main challengers.

“They are well organised and will be a good test for us. It’s going to be a great game for the first game of the league season. It’s our aim to get off to a good start and have a successful league campaign.”

Late yesterday, new signing Jacinto Ela Eyene was joined on the books by midfielder Kieran Keane, who penned a three-month deal. A lack of match fitness means neither will be considered for tomorrow unless they’re needed to cover for injuries.

Iain Anderson and Steven Robb look like being ready to play, but Tam McManus and Gavin Swankie are doubtful because of leg strains.

Boss Jim Duffy shares Madaschi’s view that the Buddies will be up near the top of the division. “The only team who finished above them last year got promoted and that shows they are strong.”

Fans who bought season tickets and who plan to pick them up from the club shop prior to the game are being asked to allow plenty of time.