That, though, has not changed the central defender’s situation and he could be moving on when his contract expires this summer or if a club comes in before Wednesday.

“My problem with David McCracken has never been his ability or his honesty, but since I came here, he has not been as consistent as I would like,” said Craig.

“That won’t stop me using him while he is still here if I think he is the best man for a job and, last week in training, he was our best defender.

“I thought he and Lee Wilkie played well on Saturday. The way Dunfermline played suited them, but they still had to do the job and did it very well.

“However, nothing has changed regarding David’s long-term situation. If something came up before Wednesday I would not rule out letting him go.

“We have Lee Wilkie, Garry Kenneth, Lee Mair and Sean Dillon, and I may still add someone before the deadline, so the centre of the defence is an area where we have reasonable cover.”

McCracken’s situation could become complicated if a knee injury Mair sustained in training this morning proves serious, but, if indiactions are that it will clear quickly, he would still be allowed to move on.

The options at the back could also be increased if New Zealand international Che Bunce impresses when the reserves play a re-arranged game at Rangers tomorrow. “We are trying to get international clearance for him. He’s a free agent, so we don’t have to sign him before the deadline.”

Barry Robson, free of suspension, returns to the squad for the ICT cup clash on Saturday.

Their claims led to No. 2 Peter Houston being told off and an exchange of words between the manager and referee Dougie McDonald, who was adamant he’d made the right call. And, having had a chance to watch the incident on video, today Craig admitted the referee had been spot on.

“We felt Jon Daly was pushed and it should have been a penalty. When the referee came over to tell ‘Houstie’ off, he told me it had been one of our players who pushed him and I have to say I told him I didn’t believe that,” said Craig.

“Having seen it again, though, I can see he was right and it was Craig Conway who collided with Jon. I’ll be on to the SFA to ask (referee supervisor) Don McVicar to pass on my apologies because it was a good call.”

In with the best shout of securing a deal looks to be former Ajax kid Hamdaoui, who impressed when he came on as a sub in Saturday’s goalless draw at Ross County.

“He did well and one thing he showed is he has natural ability. I’ll be having a chat with him to see what he is looking for, but I’ll be keeping my options open and see how all three do tomorrow.

“I will get a good look at Paass, and Okyere should be here in time to play as well.

“If they impress, it will be a matter of trying to get them on deals until the end of the season and giving them a chance to show they are worth longer contracts.”

Whether or not club captain Bobby Mann will be heading out of Dens before the window closes remains to be seen.

As far as Dundee know, Hamilton Accies’ bid to sign the big defender is now dead and it could be he sees out his contract before teaming up with old boss Steve Paterson at Peterhead in the summer.

If that is the case, Mann will be considered for a first-team place each week. “Things can change quickly, but, right now, it does not look like Bobby will be leaving this week. If he does not, he will continue to train with us and I will have no worries about using him in the team,” confirmed Alex.