Tomorrow may be a different competition, but Alex believes another victory would be further proof of the progress his young side is making.

“Of course, we want to win to be in the hat for the next round of the cup. Runs in the knockout competitions are always good for confidence and can boost your club financially,” he said today.

“For me, though, the main thing is to keep our good work going. Someone told me we’ve matched our total of league wins for last season now, which is pleasing, and I believe our home form is better than it has been for a few years. I want to maintain that, because, if we do, it means we will be doing well in the cup, climbing the league and we will be improving as a team.”

The big selection decision facing the player/boss is whether or not, after spending most of the week in bed suffering from flu, he should take a gamble with his own fitness.

“I started feeling unwell after our game last Saturday and I’ve done no training since. Right now, it’s hard to say what my chances are tomorrow, but I am feeling a lot better and I think I’ll leave it and see how I am tomorrow.”

Striker Derek Lyle has also been under the weather for the past few days, but he still has a chance of leading the attack against his old employers.

Gavin Swankie remains doubtful because of injury, but Kevin McDonald has been ruled out due to a groin problem.

While there will be no new faces in the line-up, discussions with Clyde in a bid to get their skipper Paul McHale fixed up now rather than in the summer are ongoing.

Whether or not he has to wait to get the former Ranger, Alex has admitted he is delighted to have secured his services for next season.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of players over the last few months and what really impressed me about him was his attitude. Too many people tell you they want to keep their options open and wait for one of the really big clubs to come in when they are sitting in reserve teams and need a reality check.

“McHale is a good player and he also seems to have his head screwed on. He recognises Dundee are the biggest club in this division and he feels that coming here can benefit his career and give him the chance of getting to a higher level with us.

“That’s a realistic attitude and he is also hungry for success. I’d love to get him in this window, but, in the end, that will be down to Clyde and we respect that.”

“That is not something I have thought about and, right now, I am trying to work out who can train, who might be OK for Sunday and who might not be,” said boss Craig Levein.

“None of the seven who missed training yesterday did any work today. Some of them came in and wanted to train, but the doc has given them antibiotics and we’ve sent them home.

“Hopefully, that means some of them will be OK tomorrow, but we’ve got Mark off as well, while Noel, Steven and Christian won’t be fit enough to play.

“That is not the ideal preparation for what is going to be a very difficult tie.

“It was a tough game when we beat St Mirren here in the league a few weeks ago and, although they lost on Monday, we had them watched and they battered Inverness for the last half-hour or so.”

The fitness concerns have heightened the need to add bodies to the squad. Craig was still working hard today to bring at least one of his targets in before Sunday, and Hartlepool striker Jon Daly has again been linked with a move north.

The gaffer, though, admitted it was not easy to finalise deals quickly at this time of the year.

“We are trying, but it is difficult because in this window you are dealing with players who are under contract and that slows everything up,” he added.

“Clubs know you need players, so they ask for more money and you get other hold ups. I really don’t like the January window and I do not see it as good for the game.”

It has been confirmed that skipper Barry Robson will miss the next three league games through suspension.

“We’ve shown by our CIS Cup exploits what can happen when a team from a lower division meets one from a higher league in cup games. Anything can happen in the cup, and I just hope we don’t fall victim to a cup upset ,” said Owen.

“Ayr United are a decent side and we have had them watched.

“I played alongside two of their players, David Dunn and Jerome Vareille, at Airdrie, and Ayr are going well in the Second Division.

“They could make the play-offs, so there’s a chance they could be playing First Division football next season.

“Saints cup exploits, and the fact we finished second in the First Division last season and are presently holding that position this term, points to the fact we have raised the bar.

“The club has really come on — but we must be aware of teams like Ayr coming here to get a scalp.”

Owen knows how important a part the home fans can play. And went on, “Players respond to encouragement. My lads give 100% and keep going right to the end, a fact illustrated in the last two games when we’ve beaten Clyde and Ross County with very late goals.

“We have a desire to win at St Johnstone and the supporters can help by getting behind the team.”

Willie McLaren has been a target of the boo boys since his move from Airdrie United earlier in the season, but Owen feels Willie can be a major player for the club and has no doubt he’ll turn in some starring displays.

Saints have injury worries for the game.

Martin Hardie is struggling with a calf niggle plus a throat infection and is “a big, big doubt” according to Owen.

Kevin James is a definite non-starter due to his knee problem and, with three midfield men, Ryan Stevenson, Paul Lawson and Darren Sheridan now away from the club, Saints are particularly light in that department.

They’re hoping, however, that the hold up in the move of Derek McInnes from Millwall will be resolved in time for him to make his Saints debut.

Stevenson, now at Ayr United, won’t be facing Saints tomorrow due to suspension.