While that has impressed his boss, common sense will prevail and McKenzie will go into hospital tomorrow and faces up to two months on the sidelines.

“It says everything about Gary that he has played two games since he damaged his ankle and wanted to play on until Christmas before getting it fixed, but it is better for everyone if he gets it done now,” said Alex today.

“He has not been training between games and has had a lot of pain. If he tried to keep going, his general fitness levels would obviously suffer, but his offer shows what kind of character he is.”

The blow of losing the summer signing will be softened by the return of skipper Bobby Mann for Gretna, a game where Alex believes experience will be vital.

“We’ll miss Gary, but Bobby is back, while Danny Griffin and Andy McLaren have boosted their fitness in the bounce games last week. They are the types you want for games like this.”

Dundee are having a look at young striker Nick Wakeman. He was released by Hibs just before the transfer deadline, but a lack of experience could count against him as the manager looks to bolster his squad.

When quizzed about the chances of that leading to an appearance in the top-team squad for the weekend, however, he was quick to adopt a cautious tone.

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say 90 minutes today means I’ll be involved against Hibs. I’ve been training and the shoulder seems fine, but I’ll see how I feel over the next few days,” he said.

Even though it has been highlighted his squad is short on strikers following the departure for Aberdeen of Lee Miller, with Noel Hunt expected to be fully fit and Collin Samuel also in contention to continue in the central striker’s role, Craig may not feel the need to rush back.

And, if Zimbabwean trialist Brian Badza continues to impress in training, there is a chance he will be signed up in time for consideration.

Badza was set to sign for Kilmarnock, but, once Arsenal decided not to move yet for highly-rated Under-21 international Steven Naismith, there was no room on the Rugby Park wage bill and he was allowed to come to United.

The international team striker was not considered for this afternoon’s visit to Fife, but Lee Wilkie’s fitness bid continued with another run out.

Meanwhile, youngster Stuart Abbot has left the club to start a degree course at university and goes with his gaffer’s best wishes.

“Stuart was a great type to have about the place, but we’ve had a chat and we decided this is his best option right now,” added Craig.

“I would hope that he could still find a club and play on a part-time basis, because he still has something to offer.”

New boy Paul Lawson is still recovering from a stress foot fracture and is “two or three weeks away” from playing.

Saints U/19s won 3-0 away to Partick at the weekend (Steven Doris, Andy Jackson, Matthew Gallagher) and the big team are looking to follow up that success.