The big man landed awkwardly as he contested a high ball with Dons defender Russell Anderson and limped off little over 25 minutes after coming on as sub.

An X-ray yesterday revealed a cracked bone in the ankle and it looks like it will be around a month before the player/boss is back in action again.

“It’s been put in plaster for two weeks and then I’ll have another X-ray, see if it has healed and take things from there. But I’ll be out for a few weeks,” he said.

“That’s a blow for me, but if there is one area where we have plenty of bodies it is up front, so it should not be too much of a problem for the team.”

And as he hobbled round the training ground today, the memory of the weekend was the perfect painkiller for Craig.

“I was delighted with the application and attitude of all the players and the way they came back from being a goal down was very encouraging,” he said.

“The first half was tentative and Aberdeen were the better side. But, in the second half, I saw players enjoying themselves, believing in themselves and doing a good job.

“There were not many clear scoring chances, but we did have waves of attack after the break and that was very pleasing.”

There were also words of praise for the larger-than-normal home support for the way they got behind the team.

“The reception I got when I came out was just tremendous and it was great to see the fans get right behind the players. I think that by the end we had given them something to smile about and, hopefully, that will continue to be the case.”

His own injury apart, there were no casualties on Saturday and coming back to the squad for this weekend’s trip to Celtic will be free-of-suspension Barry Robson.

Defender Paul Ritchie, though, remains a doubt because of the knock he took against Falkirk at the beginning of last week, which forced him to miss out on Saturday.

With the exception of Hay, who is gaining experience on loan at Montrose, all have featured at first team level and shown they can do a job.

Midfielder McDonald’s performances have had the likes of Rangers and Hearts monitoring his progress, striker O’Reilly has already picked up a Young Player of the Month award, while fellow-attacker Deasley made his first start in the win at Brechin on Saturday.

“I’m speaking to them all right now and it is at the stage of them or their agents getting back to me. I am hopeful that they will agree new deals soon,” said Alan.

“They have all been doing well and can have a good future and I want that to be here. The ones who were in the team on Saturday played very well, though it is worth pointing out all the older ones were the same.

“It was a very pleasing performance and while people might say it is only Brechin, you still have to go there and win and not many teams have done that after an hour at Glebe Park.”

Meanwhile, injured Stephen McNally entered hospital today for the operation on his back that should save his career.

Troubled for over a year now by stress fractures, McNally is having a bone graft and, while there will be long-term implications, he should be back for the start of pre-season in July.

“Today really marks the start of a new career for Stephen. It is a challenge for him, but not insur-mountable. Other people have had this kind of problem and played out a full career,” added Alan.

“What he will need to do is look after himself and do work on his back every day. But, if he is disciplined, he has a future at a high level.”

Skipper Barry Smith was the mystery doubt before Saturday and although he managed to start, came off late on. He recovered sufficiently to train all right today and will be ready for this week’s home clash with Stranraer.

The Dundee Supporters’ Association have launched a Grand Prize Draw in an effort to raise funds for the club. Prizes include a three- day break in Barcelona complete with tickets for the Barca-Espanyol derby, a two-day break in Rome, camcorders, a TV and an Ipod. The draw will be made on April 22 and tickets will be available until then.

The Perth club’s back-up keeper Mark Paston needs a shoulder operation, so their need for a new goalie is acute.

Trialist defender Steven McKeown has returned to Leeds and Saints will monitor his progress. Unfortunately, Steven was unwell during his week-long McDiarmid Park stint.

The club have learned that striker Andy Jackson is in the Republic of Ireland U/18 squad to face Malta away in a double-header on February 6 and 8.

Meawhile, Saints were at Dundee University today to undergo advanced fitness checks.