Equally, time could be up for several of the big money signings brought in by previous bosses Ian McCall and Gordon Chisholm, though a problem on that score is the fact every member of the United first-team squad is under contract until at least the end of next season.

No doubt partly because of that, but also down to the fact he knows there is talent in his dressing-room, for the time being Craig is not confirming any departures.

He is, though, drawing up a list of possible close-season targets and it would be no surprise if his summer signings include raids back to Inverness where he did so well in 15 months in charge before returning to United.

“I know what I need to do to strengthen the squad here and I will do that. If the players already here do not show me enough, then I have to do something about it,” he said.

“At the end of the day, though, they all have contracts that have to be honoured and what it comes down to is pride. If people show me they can be part of the team then I will use them.”

Reflecting on Saturday’s defeat at Hibs, Craig felt his side were too easily beaten during a first half that saw them concede three soft goals.

“Hibs are a good side and I thought Derek Riordan and Chris Killen were excellent and won the game for them. That means we were beaten by two players and they did not have to work to hard for their victory.

“Like all the other games since I’ve been here, however, we were never under constant pressure and had plenty of the ball. We lost because of moments of slackness and because when our chances came we did not take them.

“It has become very hard for us as a team to win football matches and that is something we have to work on and work hard to change.”

One bright spot on Saturday was 16-year-old David Goodwillie coming on and grabbing a late consolation that made him the SPL’s youngest ever scorer.

United have high hopes for the Scotland youth striker, but Craig stressed he is very much one for the future.

“It was great for David and it is a nice record for him to set. He is still a kid, though, and what is important for him is to keep concentrating on the football side and develop the way he should.”

On the injury front, there were at least no fresh injuries at the weekend, but keeper Derek Stillie did miss out because of a back spasm and could be a doubt again this weekend when Livingston visit.

Long-term casualty Paul Ritchie could be able to start jogging again at some point this week, though he will not feature at the weekend.

“In terms of attitude and approach, we have to be much better — if we are not we will be in big trouble,” he said. “On Saturday, we just were not at the races. We’ve lost a goal in a minute and 11 seconds and, over the game, paid the price for individual errors. That’s because minds were on the cup and not the job in hand and that is not good enough. On Thursday, we will be up against their first team and we have to get it right.”

One boost for Dundee today was the news Bobby Mann is expected to be in his usual place despite limping off on Saturday with a calf problem.

“Bobby didn’t train today, but we are hopeful he will make it. I don’t think it is anything too serious and the fact we got him off early was a help as well,” added Alan.

And the combination of his performance and the mistakes of those around him, have put the man who replaced Mann, Lee Wilkie, in contention to start. Wilkie’s second-half appearance was his first competitive run-out since last April, but he impressed his manager.

“Lee has come on, scored a goal and made another and in general looked very confident for his first game back. He is a strong character who influences those around him and the way he played has certainly done his chances of starting on Thursday no harm.”

Also back could be keeper Kelvin Jack. He has recovered from a knee problem and was stepping up his training today.

One big hole to be filled will be the absence through suspension of skipper Barry Smith, out after being booked in the fourth round against Airdrie and again at New Douglas Park in the first game of this tie.

“That’s something we are thinking about and we will be working on a few things in training over the next few days.

Barry is obviously a big loss,” said Alan.

With the game screened live by Sky, the clubs have agreed to slash prices to £8 (adults), £2 (concessions).

“The boss gave us a rollicking at half-time and full-time and deservedly so.

“Now we face two away games, Ross County and Dundee, with the trip to Dingwall being massive for us. Three points there take us into second.”