And, with Callum Macdonald hurting a hamstring in the cup draw at Hamilton on Saturday, Wilkie’s return to the frame is timely.

Today, boss Alan Kernaghan stressed the main reason the centre-half is back in contention is because he is ready.

“I think he is feeling a lot stronger than he has done for a long time. He will need time to get his touch back and his match fitness, but, in terms of his knee, he has done all the work and had a few reserve games, so this is the next step.”

Wilkie’s career has been dogged by knee problems since being carried off during a derby against Dundee United in January 2004.

After over a year out, he returned for a dozen games last year, but snapped the troublesome ligament for a second time in a game against Dunfermline, leading to fears his career could be over.

However, he had surgery at a top American clinic last summer and was told there should be no reason why he cannot return at the highest level.

Tomorrow, he is likely to take his biggest step towards that and, while that is good news for both player and club, others will also be taking an interest.

It is understood that at least two SPL clubs plan to monitor his progress and, if he proves his fitness between now and the end of the season, there could be moves for him come the summer.

Wilkie’s imminent return apart, it was a day of check-ups at Dens today.

As well as Macdonald’s fitness, goalkeeper Kelvin Jack’s knee injury was being looked at, though the chances are he will miss out at Palmerston. Colin Marshall will be back in contention after missing out at the weekend because he was cup-tied, but a shoulder injury will again rule out Steven Robb.

Sky have confirmed their intention to screen the Hamilton replay on Thursday next week for the purposes of a live broadcast. That will bring the two clubs a welcome windfall of £82,500 each and will mean Dundee’s game at Airdrie, due a week on Saturday, will be put back 24 hours.