| Stillie was the hardest hit as almost an entire team have gone down ill, but, despite his alarming weight loss, is on course to be fit by the weekend.
“There are still a few feeling some after-effects and, of everyone who’s been ill, Derek was definitely worst effected. He’s lost 10 lb. and that’s obviously taken a lot out of him, but he trained yesterday and again today, and is not looking too bad,” said boss Craig Levein.
“We have another 48 hours to go until the game and that should give the ones who have been ill time to build up their strength further.
“Right now, I know I won’t have Barry Robson or Lee Mair because of suspension and Steven Robb and Christian Kalvenes are not going to make it because of injury, but I think the rest will be OK.”
The week’s second new signing, Sean Dillon, was paraded at Tannadice today and the Shelbourne full-back will be in the squad for Saturday.
Whether or not the 23-year-old is in the starting line-up or on the bench has still to be decided.
“He worked with us in the gym on Tuesday and did OK, and he trained again yesterday and did well. However, I am aware that it’s a while since he played and I have a decision to make, but he’s already shown he is fit enough to be in the squad.”
The line-up is now 99% certain to be boosted by the return of Noel Hunt for the first time in almost a month. The top scorer has been stepping up his workload all week and trained with the rest of the squad this morning for the first time since damaging ankle ligaments at Motherwell.
“He had a very physical workout with the physio yesterday and I do now expect him to be available,” confirmed Craig. |
