That request seems likely to fall on deaf ears, especially as the T&TFF have already written to FIFA with regard to Samuel, and two other players they wish to feature in the games, Swansea defender Dennis Lawrence and Walsall keeper Clayton Ince.

Swansea don’t want Lawrence involved in either game, with the same applying to Walsall with regard to Ince.

The letter was signed by Jack Warner, the T&TFF special advisor who is a high-ranking FIFA official.

It requested FIFA to intervene as both games are within the global international match calendar, meaning the country should have access to its players.

Today, Craig confirmed United had contacted the Caribbean nation seeking Samuel’s hasty return.

He said, “I could understand the situation if it were qualifying games, but these are two friendly matches we are talking about. I spoke to Collin before he left and told him we expect to see him back here on Monday. We’ve written to the Trinidad FA and asked just that and we are waiting for them to get back to us.”

St Johnstone striker Jason Scotland has been released for both games.

Raith Rovers, meanwhile, are believed to have made an audacious bid to snatch Lee Wilkie from under the noses of Dundee United. The Fifers are keeping tabs on the big defender, who was pencilled in to play his third and final game as a trialist for the Tangerines against Caley Thistle in a reserve match at Station Park, Forfar, this afternoon.

United will then make a decision on whether or not to offer the former Dundee man a contract.

Raith gaffer Craig Levein said, “Lee is on our radar and, if he was to become available, we would certainly be interested in bringing him to Stark’s Park.”

Several clubs south of the border are also keeping a close eye on any Wilkie developments.

“He looked OK and will be here for the next few days,” said Alex.

The Dark Blues meet Ross County on October 14, and that will see them complete their first round of fixtures.

And the manager feels his men deserve praise for the way they have pulled themselves back into the promotion race after a sticky start.

He said, “I always felt that, when we had our full squad fit, we could be a match for anyone in this division, but the players have shown a great deal of self-belief to get themselves where they are and they deserve a great deal of credit.”

As expected, Dundee have lodged an appeal with the SFA over the red card Derek Lyle received against St Johnstone. The striker was sent packing by referee Alan Freeland after an incident involving Saints defender Steven Anderson.

However, after studying video footage, the Dark Blues feel their man may have been harshly treated.

“We’ve appealed and handed over the relevant footage to the SFA. Hopefully, common sense will prevail and we’ll get the decision overturned,” said Alex.

“Two or three players are suffering from knocks and are getting a well-earned rest just now,” said, boss Owen Coyle, whose side don’t have a competitive fixture until Gretna call a week on Saturday in the league.

Saints are still unbeaten in the league, and Owen went on, “We’ve drawn some games we should have won, but we’ve done not too badly considering we’ve lost two defenders who would be regulars — Kevin Rutkiewicz for practically the whole season and Kevin James, who could be out for six weeks.”