After over two months on trial at Tannadice, and five reserve outings, the time may now have come for the former Dundee and Scotland man to face the ultimate test.

“Lee looked good again in the reserves at Celtic on Tuesday and he will definitely be in my squad for Saturday,” confirmed Craig.

“That’s five games now and his knee is as strong as it is going to be. It’s now a question of match fitness and that is improving with every game.

“You’ll need to wait until Saturday to see if he is in the team, but it is safe to say that Lee is definitely in my thoughts.”

So, too, after another solid performance, is fellow centre-half Garry Kenneth — United lost 2-0 to the Hoops after two late goals, but the general standard of their play was not as disappointing as the score.

“For most of the game, our play was good. A few performances gave me something to think about and that is what I asked for,” added Craig.

As well as watching his second string this week, Craig has been monitoring training for any signs of a reaction to the speculation regarding his own situation and the strong suggestions another defeat this weekend would mark the end of the road for him.

So far, he has been encouraged by the way his men have gone about their business.

“Training has been very good and the boys have been doing their work very professionally. The big test is always on a Saturday, but it is pleasing to see them go about their work so well.”

United are hoping for a big support at the Falkirk Stadium and have reminded travelling fans that this is an all-ticket game, with briefs being available from the club shop at Tannadice.

However, after checking and double-checking with all the football authorities, permission was given for the attacking midfielder to join up if he took on amateur status. He’s agreed to do that and will sign up until the January transfer window and switch to professional terms then if things have worked out.

“It’s taken a bit of work and not been easy, but we have been told it can be done this way and the boy has agreed to sign amateur forms for the time being,” said Alex.

“I’ve liked the look of him in training and in the couple of bounce games we’ve had while he’s been here. This gives us the chance to have a longer look at him.

“His fitness was a wee problem, but he has been working hard on it and now it is a matter of deciding if he is ready to be in the squad for Saturday.”

Definitely included will be the manager himself, as his tight thigh responded as hoped after missing a couple of training sessions, and Andy McLaren. He has had a leg strain, but was back at work today.

“As much as anything, I kept Andy out of training to protect himself. He does not want to miss sessions, but he has had a couple of knocks in the last few weeks and this has let them clear a bit.”

Paul’s double against Queens helped take Saints to the top of the First Division — ironically enough on goal difference — for the first time this season.

And Paul added the fact it has taken the Perth club until now to get to top spot was what drove them on last Saturday.

“It’s tight at the top, though, and I think it could remain that way.

“But we’re playing with confidence and that’s a massive factor,” he said.

The McDiarmid Park men are also rattling in the goals, with eight being scored in their last two games as they remain unbeaten in the league this season.

In fact, their only reverse has come in the Challenge Cup when they lost to a late winner away to Morton.

One of the other plusses to come out of the QOS game was the showing of Paul Lawson in midfield.

The on-loan player from Celtic also netted, his cracking drive being Saints’ second goal, and Owen believes, “There’s so much more to come from him.

“His short passing and long passing are sharp, he switches play very well and I’m delighted with his application.

“He played against Queens with some protective padding on the elbow he injured against Gretna. He was so keen to play and his performance was good.”

Next up for the McDiarmid Park outfit is Saturday’s trip to face Clyde at Broadwood.

Saints have an excellent record against the Bully Wee, who currently lie near the bottom of the table.

But the Perth side will be taking nothing for granted as they bid to consolidate top spot on a day when something may give as some of the top teams in the division collide.

Joint-top Partick Thistle entertain Dundee, while Hamilton and Gretna — joint third on 18 points, meet at New Douglas Park.