| While even the arrival of Roy Keane at Celtic was not diverting attention away from the Tangerines manager, he was adopting a business-as-usual approach.
He reported for work as normal and then headed off for the usual Thursday morning training session as preparations for the vital meeting with the Pars neared their completion.
It was a big session for two players, Grant Brebner and Peter Canero, who needed to prove their fitness if they are to be involved this weekend.
Canero made a rapid recovery from knee surgery last month to make the bench against Livingston last week, but hopes he would be a starter this time out have been hit by the postponement of Tuesday’s reserve game against Celtic and a bout of sickness that has sidelined him for a couple of days. For Brebner, who has now been out with calf trouble for over a month, it is a case of whether or not he will be fit to make the bench.
Both will be left overnight to see if they suffer any reaction to stepping up their workload and a decision on their involvement will be taken tomorrow.
Dundee United’s youngsters will meet Rangers at Tannadice on Sunday in the fourth round of the SFA Youth Cup (KO 1 pm).
Meanwhile, January fixture clashes that almost led to a verbal spat between the city rivals should be avoided with both sides ending up satisfied.
Final confirmation should come through in the next 24 hours or so, but United are now set to face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup at Tannadice on Saturday, January 7, as drawn, while Dundee will play host to Stranraer the following afternoon.
The next weekend, the Dark Blues’ First Division clash with Ross County will go ahead on the Saturday, while the Tangerines’ SPL date with Falkirk will be delayed to the Sunday. |
