But, while points have been forthcoming, the Dark Blues’ position in the table has remained pretty much stagnant.

However, having closed to within striking distance of the leading pack, Alex is well aware how important it is to maintain their current form and start overhauling the leaders.

And, with St Johnstone to be faced at McDiarmid Park on Saturday, Dundee know victory will see them leapfrog the Perth men.

“We’ve done quite well recently and, although Gretna have opened up a bit of a gap, we’ve managed to get back towards the rest of the leading group,” said Alex.

“What we must do now is keep our form going right up to the transfer window opening.

“Hopefully, we can keep everyone fit along the way and maybe we’ll be able to add one or two players to the squad in January.”

Meanwhile, the two Czech trialists, who are due to arrive at the beginning of next week, have been named.

They are Ondrej Novotny, an 18-year-old striker, and midfield man Pavel Patka, who is a year older. Both play for Jablonec in their homeland and will be at Dens for a week, with a view to extending their stay via a loan deal.

Striker Brian McGinty injured a hamstring in the closed-door game against Montrose on Monday and is doubtful for Saturday’s visit to St Johnstone.

However, Danny Griffin and Gavin Swankie have been able to do some running and it’s hoped they will be able to join in with the rest of the squad tomorrow.

Lee Wilkie and Steven Robb, meanwhile, both came through yesterday’s reserve game against Dunfermline at Gayfield.

Wilkie was on target as the Tangerines won 5-0 and will now hold talks with boss Craig Levein, with the big central defender likely to go on a short-term loan to a lower division club.

Robb, on the comeback trail following a season disrupted by ankle and groin injuries, lasted for 88 minutes before being substituted.

United’s other scorers were Grant Smith (2), Gregg Burnett and Ross Gardiner.

“But things are starting to come together for him and, once he’s in full flow, we’ll see the best of him. He has pace, he’s a good crosser of the ball and he’s a good finisher, too. I’m sure he’ll be an asset to St Johnstone.”

Paul Lawson misses Saturday’s home clash against Dundee due to suspension, and Saints will monitor injured trio Kevin James, Martin Hardie and Steven Milne in the build-up.

Meanwhile, the Perth club have dropped interest in their Ghanaian trialist. The midfielder did well enough in a closed-door game against Rangers, but was some way off match fitness.