Even with the league still in its infancy, that’s not the kind of gap Mann feels they can afford to see opening up.

“After a bad start, we’ve got to get a run of results going and what we have to produce is probably championship form between now and the end of the season if we are to get up there,” he said.

“It’s early and I know it’s a long way to go, but other teams have good starts and we are nine points behind.

“The fact there are a few above us is worrying, because they won’t all have a slump and, in terms of squads, some of them are probably stronger than us.”

Mann, though, believes that if Dundee can copy the winning habit that’s seen Gretna rise rapidly through the lower divisions, they can still feature at the top of their division.

He cites the Borderers 3-0 win when the teams met in the Scottish Cup semi-final back in April as a perfect example of what is required.

“It was not one-sided, but Gretna still won well and that’s why they’ve achieved what they have. Maybe they do not always play at their best, but they have a winning mentality and, however they are playing, can come out on top.

“That’s definitely something the young boys here can learn from. It’s all about belief and it’s by winning you get that.

“We really need a few wins in a row to boost confidence, but winning this one would probably be worth two or three in terms of that and I believe we are definitely capable.”

Mann will be leading the team out for the first time since the opening day of the season, when he lasted little over 40 minutes before straining ankle ligaments.

The last two weeks, in particular, have seen him working hard in training and he is ready for the challenge at Raydale Park.

“Touch wood, my ankle is fine. I’ve not had any reaction and I’ve had a couple of closed-door games and trained for well over a week.

“It was frustrating being out for so long and it is the first bad injury I’ve had for a while. However, if you look at how long people like my mate Lee Wilkie have been battling to get back, then you think yourself lucky and get on with it.”

Manager Alex Rae views Mann’s return as a major boost and, although Gretna will provide the toughest opposition to date, he is relishing the task.

“They are the form team, but this is a good challenge for us. We want to see where we are and the easiest way to judge that is by playing the best,” he said.

Out tomorrow is centre-half Gary McKenzie after his midweek ankle operation, while an ankle problem continues to sideline teenage striker Bryan Deasley, though he will return to training on Monday.

Having stayed in touch with a few of the players who have come through the ranks at Easter Road, however, Proctor is well aware results have not been an accurate reflection of performances.

“One thing I know from my time with Hibs, is that, however games finish, they will always play good football and that will be the case when they come here on Sunday.

“They can be sensational for parts of games and then there’s a lull for a while, but you always know they are dangerous and you can never lose your concentration.

“I’m still quite friendly with boys like Scott Brown and Kevin Thomson, and they’ve been saying they are playing well.”

Proctor’s reply to that has been to let them know United have hit form and he has set his sights on following up an emphatic victory at high-flying St Mirren a fortnight ago with another three points.

“We have not conceded many goals in the last four games or so and we will be looking to continue that. We’ll try to make it as difficult as we can for Hibs and also hope to open something up going the other way.”

Sunday marks the start of an interesting few days for the 22-year-old and tomorrow week sees him head north to face his other previous employers.

“It’s going to be nice for me, because we have Inverness as well. I think I’ll get more stick up there, because the fans will remember me better than the Hibs fans do.

“It’ll be interesting, but that’s a side issue because it could be a good week for the team and it’s a chance for us to pick up a few points.”

Definitely missing out on Sunday will be banned skipper Barry Robson, while likely deputy Steven Robb is not expected to recover from an ankle injury in time. Noel Hunt, though, will be fit to start after only making the bench for the St Mirren win and that could see Collin Samuel switch to the left, a position he plays in for Trinidad, as emergency cover for Robson.

Boss Craig Brewster proved his fitness in the reserve draw at Dunfermline on Tuesday and is likely to be among the substitutes.

Now he has secured his release from Corsicans Bastia, United will welcome back Congolese international Franck Matingou next week. He’ll play in a reserve game and, if he impresses in the way he did in training last month, is set to be offered a deal.

Meanwhile, in a move that will see him struck off a few lower division clubs’ Christmas card list, chairman Eddie Thompson has challenged the jurisdiction of the SFL panel that met yesterday to determine what fee should go to Ayr United for wide man Craig Conway. The matter has now been deferred until the SFA give a ruling.

United’s game kicks off at 2 pm on Sunday.

“I have a high regard for both,” said Owen.

“Dick is a terrific coach and manager, while I know exactly what Mark can do from our days at Airdrie.

“And Thistle will likely have Simon Donnelly and Derek Young in their squad. Simon is an ex-Saints player, and Derek had a short spell with us earlier this term.

“Last season, we drew 4-4 there in the Challenge Cup — but got through on penalties — and I’ll be delighted if we get four goals against them this time round.

“Thistle have started well and so have we. In fact, we’re unbeaten in eight league and cup matches this season and want to keep that going.”

Saints are without the injured Kevin Rutkiewicz and Paul Lawson, but Willie McLaren is in the squad and likely to make his Saints debut following his deadline day move from Airdrie United.

And Jason Scotland is likely to once more take up his place in the Saints attack.

He’s been in great form recently, a fact Owen acknowledges.

“Jason was a wee bit rusty when he came back from World Cup duty with Trinidad and Tobago — but he’s finding his form now and will be a very big player for us in the course of the season.”

Saints have a good recent record at Partick, their Challenge Cup win last season being preceded by several league wins. And they hope to continue that tomorrow.