The Caribbean islanders have expressed regret Jack did not make it back for the league visit to Ross County on November 19, but there has been no acceptance they were wrong to insist he travelled from the Middle East for qualification celebrations in Port of Spain.

Dundee are pursuing the matter through the SFA and FIFA, though Alan accepts the main priority now is making sure that future international stints end with Jack back in the City of Discovery in plenty of time for his next club game.

All at Dens, though, remain keen to see the big goalie represent his country in their first-ever finals appearance next June.

“We don’t want to do anything that would jeopardise Kelvin’s chances of playing, but we are still pursuing this because we don’t want it happening again,” said Alan.

“I realise that between now and the end of the season there will probably be warm-up games they will want him to play in — and he should if it is possible — but I will have to marry that with the concerns of Dundee Football Club. What it should come down to, I feel, is that competitive games should have priority and everything must be done to make sure he is available for us, because we are, after all, the ones who pay his wages.”

Jack did not train yesterday after feeling the knee he injured while on international duty in October, but the problem will not prevent him being on duty at Stranraer on Saturday. With Derek Soutar as much as a month away from fitness after his knee op., that is good news for the manager.

Already ruled out for the trip to the south-west are Stuart McCluskey and Stephen McNally. The experienced McCluskey is at least building up his fitness after Achilles tendon problems, but there is concern over McNally’s latest bout of back trouble.

A specialist has ordered a bone scan and, although he has been able to join in with the squad in training, Dundee won’t be risking the right-sided defender in a game situation until he is given the all clear.

Gavin Swankie is back at work after missing the win over Brechin because of illness.

It’s an unwanted early birthday present for the teenager, who turns 19 tomorrow and will spend his birthday with his foot up and heavily strapped.

“It’s bad luck for Barry, and it was something of a freak accident. There was no one near him. He’s just struck the ball and then seemed to land awkwardly,” said boss Gordon Chisholm today.

“I’m not saying he was set to play for the first team right away, but he had been making good progress and was getting a place in the squad most weeks, so it is a setback for him.

“It is also a blow for the reserves, because we do not have a big squad for their games and he was one of the regulars in the team.”

On the subject of the second string, tonight’s trip to Kilmarnock has been called off because of freezing temperatures across the country. A pitch inspection was arranged this morning and the surface was quickly given the thumbs down.

In the first team, midfielder Grant Brebner was working with the physio today. The player himself believes the calf strain that has ruled him out of the last two games could clear in time for him to face former club Hibs at Tannadice on Saturday, but his manager is not so sure.

“He is feeling a lot better, but I would not rate his chances at any more than 50/50. He has not played or trained since the Hearts game early in the month and, as well as showing he has recovered from the injury, he has to prove his fitness over the next few days.”

United held talks with a view to handing a trial to Finnish defender Tuomo Konenen, who starred against them for MyPa in the UEFA Cup back in August.

However, with the Tangerines needing to see more of him than just the two games back then, Gordon was only prepared to offer him a trial initially and the left-back has opted to stay closer to home and take up an offer from Norway.

Strengthening on that side of the pitch will remain a priority when the transfer window opens.

With a big support expected to travel from the capital this weekend to back high-flying Hibs, the Shed End at Tannadice will be reserved for away fans on Saturday.

He’s been plagued by injury this season, but hopes his problems are now at an end.

Kevin Fotheringham will continue his comeback from injury in this game, but Kieran McAnespie is a doubt due to flu.

Meanwhile, club captain Kevin James feels Saints still have a chance of catching First Division leaders St Mirren, but realises the Perth men need to start winning again as soon as possible.

“We also need wins to boost our confidence,” said the former Falkirk, Hearts and Airdrie man, who added, “Our decision making on the park on Saturday against Stranraer was costly.”

But Kevin added the players are working hard to get back on the right track, and emphasised, “We’re in for a hard week’s training.”