And, after missing out in both the semi and final when the Dark Blues finished with runners-up medals in 2003, the 24-year-old believes he could handle a starting place in boss Alan Kernaghan’s line-up.

“I think with a big game like this, adrenalin will get you through and, although the combination of flu and then my shoulder means the first cup game against Airdrie was the last time I played, if, by Friday, I have trained all week again, I will be ready,” he said.

“I was disappointed when the match went off at Ross County last weekend, because I could have done with the run-out, but my fitness is not bad, because, even though I could not play, I was able to do some work and I’ve been doing contact training for a couple of weeks now.

“I’ve got to say that I am ready to start, but it is a team game and I’ll accept the manager’s decision about who plays — Garry Brady has been doing a very good job on the left, but I don’t know what the formation is going to be.”

While he always believed he only had an outside chance of featuring when Dundee beat Inverness in the last four before losing to Rangers by a single goal last time they reached the latter stages of the cup, Robb admits he does not want a repeat of the feeling of disappointment of being told he’d been left out.

“I was on the bench in the semi against Inverness, but I did not get on and, when the team was named for the final, Gavin Beith and myself were the two who got left out.

“Obviously, we were gutted, but, with the quality of the players in that team and the fact I was just coming through and had only played three or four games, I kind of suspected I would be left out.

“When he told us, Jim Duffy said he hoped we would get another chance to get back to Hampden before too long. I don’t know if I believed we would, but we have and I am delighted about it.

“I have to admit, though, it is not something I have been thinking about too much until this week. When you are out injured you are just thinking about getting back as quickly as you can and it is just a happy coincidence that I have come back in the run-up to this one.”

Having been through the preparations for this kind of game before, Robb accepts he can be an aid to the younger members of the squad. He is quick to point out, however, they do not appear to need that much help.

“Just having been through the whole experience of this kind is a plus and, because I know what to expect, I can maybe be a help to the young boys.

“They will cope with it no bother and, when we went to Hampden last week for a look around, their attitude was that they just wanted the game to come round so they could play there.

“They’ve coped with the games in the cup so far and handled the last game against Hamilton being on TV, so I don’t think they will face any extra pressure.”

There was still no news today on Lee Wilkie’s injury. The big defender has had scans of his knee sent to Dr Richard Steadman, but the specialist has still to return his verdict.

However, on the SFA’s Whistleblower website, the match official admitted he had been caught out of position.

He said, “During the early part of the second half, with the score 2-2, a corner-kick had been awarded to Dundee United. With the ball flighted in to the back post I was aware of being caught out of position and attempted to move round the players.

“Whilst moving round, I believed I observed the United player (Garry) Kenneth head the ball past for a goal-kick, failing to observe through his head that the Kilmarnock player Nish had apparently handled.

“As a referee we are coached to make decisions regards positioning ourselves in order to obtain the best view of situations as they develop.

“On this occasion, my positioning was such that I didn’t see the full incident clearly, and as such, couldn’t award a penalty- kick. For myself, a lesson learned.”

While Brines’ words won’t turn one point into the three United had been looking for, the manager was happy to see the referee set the record straight.

“At the end of the day, the linesman has made a great decision for our equaliser and now the referee has admitted he was wrong with the penalty appeal,” said Craig.

“There is very little we can do about that now, so we just have to get on with it.”

“Getting on with it” means looking ahead to Sunday’s clash against Champions League chasing Rangers.

And it’s a game Craig is eagerly awaiting.

“We have a good record here against Rangers and we’re all looking forward to the game.”

Garry Kenneth missed training today due to a slight Achilles strain.

United’s reserves beat Killie 2-0 at Tannadice yesterday thanks to goals from Stuart Abbot and David Goodwillie, who was celebrating his 17th birthday.

However, it was generally felt by both city clubs that having two competitive games in the space of only two days was too much to ask of the players so close to the start of the season.

As such, the format will revert to a one-off derby.

Striker Andy Jackson, on loan at Forfar, is in the Republic of Ireland U/18 squad for two home games next week against their Hungarian counterparts.