However, the former Inverness Caley man was pencilled in to take his first steps on the road to recovery with a run-out tonight and on Saturday, when Dundee travel to take on Rangers reserves in another closed-door fixture.

“Bobby will play this evening and it’s good to see him back,” said boss Alex Rae today.

Also in with a chance of seeing some action tonight were Danny Griffin, Andy McLaren and Derek Lyle, who was taken off at the weekend against Livingston with 20 minutes to go.

“Derek is a wee bit behind the rest of the lads in terms of fitness. He hadn’t played any games for Queen of the South before he came to us, so he’s playing a bit of catch-up at the moment.

“These two games will allow some of the boys who have been missing out recently the chance to get some match practice under their belts.”

Meanwhile, with less than 36 hours to go until the transfer window closes, the Dens gaffer was still working hard to bring in a new face.

“We’re still waiting to hear back from a guy in England, but there is nothing concrete yet,” added Alex.

“It may be the case that other clubs have to bring someone in before they are prepared to let men go, but I’m willing to wait right up to the deadline if I have to.”