And wins against the host nation and, yesterday, Bulgaria, have left the young Scots needing just a draw from their final game against France tomorrow to progress.

Defender Kenneth and midfielder Cameron both started the 2-1 win over the Bulgarians, but a strain that forced him off in the second half has left the latter a doubt for the showdown with the French.

He is, though, expected to recover in time for the crack at what would be a major achievement for former World Cup hero Archie Gemmill’s team.

Back at Tannadice, meanwhile, it has emerged St Johnstone could face competition for the other side of the Atlantic for club captain Derek McInnes. Saints would like the 34-year-old, who has been told he can leave, as a player-coach at McDiarmid Park, but a late move by MLS outfit Los Angeles Galaxy could lure him to the USA.

A switch there would make McInnes the second United player to head for the States this year. In January, Peter Canero joined up with ex-Scotland striker Mo Johnstone and the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, who quickly renamed themselves the New York Red Bulls.

It has been a difficult start for Canero, who has made just one start as his new team have completed their opening six fixtures without managing a victory.

Another of the players who have been told they are no longer part of the first-team plans at United, Grant Brebner, has been holding more talks with Scottish Cup runners-up Gretna. The big-spending Borders outfit are looking to strengthen their squad as they aim to make it three promotions in a row now they have stepped up to the First Division.

Clyde left-back Eddie Malone, who has been linked with the Tangerines, has gone on trial at Watford.

As reported before Christmas, Old Firm youth scouts have been monitoring him on a regular basis, while the likes of Hearts and English Premiership giants Spurs have also sent representatives to see the big midfielder in action.

And, while McDonald would be a long way away from first-team squad status at either Ibrox or Parkhead, there have been signs both would like to add him to their payroll this summer.

Replies to any enquiries about the crop of promising youngsters at Dens Park have been put on hold while attention was given to the major restructuring of the club’s finances that was announced earlier this week.

With, however, new chief executive Davie MacKinnon now in his post and a manager, be it Rae or someone else, likely to be in place in another week at the latest, thoughts will be turning to moulding a squad for next season.

Definitely on his way out is Aberdeen-bound goalkeeper Derek Soutar, but, while wage cuts mean other experienced players may also leave, when it comes to the kids, Dundee may not be so willing to do business.

Former Dundee defender Steven Tweed could be in the opposition ranks at Dens next term. Tweed, who had been offered training facilities by close friend Craig Brewster at Dundee United after ending a spell in Japan, is set to join relegated Livingston.

Meanwhile, fans’ trust Dee 4 Life are holding an open meeting at the Dundee Social Club in Thistle Street at 11.15 am tomorrow to allow their members to discuss the way forward for them following this week’s major developments.

Today’s scheduled meeting of the 10 First Division clubs at Clyde’s Broadwood Stadium has been delayed until the start of next week.