“If you look around, there are players who have done a lot for their clubs and the game, but I think it is honest and accurate to say that no one in Scottish football is more worthy of a testimonial than Barry,” said Jim.

“He won’t be comfortable with me saying that, because he is not the kind of boy who likes to beat his own drum or be in the limelight and that has probably cost him international recognition he would have been worthy of, but it’s true.

“If you are asking me to talk about Barry Smith, I could be speaking all day and only be saying good things. He is one of the best signings any manager could make in terms of contribution to his club, on and off the pitch.”

Smith was signed as part of the deal that saw Morten Wieghorst heading for Celtic in the wake of the Dark Blues’ appearance as a First Division club in the 1995 Coca-Cola Cup Final, and Jim revealed he did not have to drop down a league.

“Tommy Burns was manager of Celtic at the time and he was a fan of Barry, so he could easily have stayed on at Parkhead. He’d played a few first-team games and was part of their squad, but he wanted to establish himself as a first-team regular, so came here.

“Initially, my idea was for him to be my replacement, because I was still playing, but he’s been much more than that. He’s played in a lot of positions and every manager he has worked under has held him in high regard, as have all his team-mates through the years and the players he’s played against.

“Opposing managers also like him and, when guys like Bobby Williamson and Jim Jefferies repeatedly mention him after games, you know what a good player you have.”

Jim went on to reveal that, just last month, an even bigger managerial name singled out his captain.

“After we played Wolves in the City of Discovery Cup, Glenn Hoddle was talking about Barry’s contribution. He pointed out that he’d got injured, but even though it was only a friendly he’d stayed on and was driving his players on.”

In his Dens decade, Smith has been used right across the defence and midfield and, although his recent performances have been at full-back, the present boss feels his best displays have been as anchor man in the middle of the park.

“I would say that, for two years or so after I came back here, he was the best holding midfielder in the country with the possible exception of Neil Lennon. He was certainly the best Scottish player in that position and he can consider himself unlucky not to get caps.

“The thing about him is you can ask him to play anywhere and you know he will not complain. He just goes out and does his best for the team.

“He did not even complain when, just after he started earning decent money, he had to take a huge wage cut — and I mean huge — because of administration. Despite that, no one does more off the field for this club and, when you look at the charity appearances, the school visits and supporters’ functions he goes to, his contribution is immense.”

Safe in the knowledge the skipper would be suitably embarrassed by that glowing tribute, Jim turned his attention to preparations for the weekend trip to Clyde. Keeper Kelvin Jack was working with coach Andy Goram today after missing out yesterday because of a couple of knocks picked up against St Mirren.

Added to the list is likely to be a testimonial match, probably next year, and although details have still to be finalised, it’s understood Smith’s former club Celtic could provide the opposition.

Chairing the testimonial committee will be well-known Dark Blues fan Alistair Gibb.

Gordon has been chasing the Barcelona full-back for the best part of a fortnight now and, while his quest has, at times, left him frustrated by Catalan red tape, there remains some hope he can get his man on a season’s loan.

“I am still speaking to people in Spain and I am still hoping we can do a deal, but it has become a drawn-out process. The fact almost everyone here is heading for Finland in the next few hours has made it more difficult, but it might still be done.”

United have been reluctant to go into too many details of the signing before pen has been put to paper, but it is understood Gonzalez — who was watched by coach Dave Bowman last month — has made all the right noises about coming to the SPL.

What is still awaited is the OK from his advisers and, ultimately, his club, and the Spanish giants have their own unique way of doing business and that can be time consuming.

And, while he would like Gonzalez in his squad for Sunday’s clash with league leaders Hearts, top of the agenda for Gordon right now is the MyPa clash.

He has confirmed injured midfielder Barry Robson will be fit enough to travel, though he remains a big doubt for the game.

“Barry has a chance, so we will take him, but I don’t see him being able to train before Thursday and he is still the major worry for us,” he added.

That said, the manager is satisfied that, should Robson have to sit this one out, he has a more-than-able deputy in Stuart Duff, who switched to the left when his team-mate was suspended for the opening league clash with Aberdeen two games ago.

“Stuart is not left-sided, but he has moved over, not complained and stuck to his task. He has defended well and it says a lot about his attitude and ability.”

Saints boss Owen Coyle intimated he’ll put out a strong team for what he says “is always a difficult match.”

Owen continued, “Like us, Cowdenbeath won in the league on Saturday and they’ll be boosted by that. We must ensure we acquit ourselves well.”

Owen is pleased at the competition he has for places, and further stated, “The lads holding down the jerseys just now are doing well. We’ve made a good start and now need to carry that on. I’m enjoying it at McDiarmid Park and we must keep our winning form going.”

Cowdenbeath interim boss Graeme Irons has a full squad to pick from, apart from former St Johnstone defender or midfielder John Cusick (torn calf muscle). However, Innes Ritchie is available, having been suspended for Saturday’s Third Division win away to East Stirling. David Williams has overcome a hamstring injury so he, too, is in the squad.

“We’re on a hiding to nothing in this game and the lads are buzzing. I now have more attacking options from midfield,” said Graeme.

Ex-Saints boss John Connolly is being linked with the Cowden manager’s post.