And, despite having travelled around the globe, manager Craig Levein is confident the Kiwi won’t have a problem fitness-wise.

“We received international clearance for Che and he will play today,” said Craig.

“He’s in pretty good shape and, having played something like 20 games already this season, I don’t see his fitness being a problem.”

Joining Bunce in the squad that headed for Broadwood was Garry Kenneth, Greg Cameron, Morgaro Gomis and Steven Robb, who is on the comeback trail yet again after his recent injury setback.

Meanwhile, with the transfer deadline just over 24 hours away, there was little sign of any activity at Tannadice.

However, the chances of David McCracken being allowed to move on have been clouded somewhat as fellow-free-to-leave defender Alan Archibald has a fractured cheekbone, while Lee Mair damaged a knee in training yesterday.

“It’s not the knee Lee had trouble with before, but we have to wait and see what the extent of the injury is,” said Craig.

“In my experience, these sort of knocks can take 24 hours or so to manifest, so we’ll just have to see if there is any swelling and take it from there.”

Meanwhile, Inverness Caley Thistle have shown an interest in taking David Proctor back to the Caledonian Stadium.

The 22-year-old only moved to Tannadice at the start of the season and still has more than two years of his contract to run.

However, following the arrival of Sean Dillon and the emergence of youngster Keith Watson, Proctor is another who has been informed he is surplus to requirements.

Caley boss Charlie Christie has stated he would be interested in taking Proctor back, but only if he was available on a free transfer.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to Saturday’s Tennent’s Scottish Cup tie against the Highlanders, Craig feels his men are in for a tough time.

“I was at their game against Celtic on Sunday and I thought they were a wee bit unlucky to lose.

“It’s definitely a hard place to go and try to get a result and, being honest, I’m sure it’s a draw both teams would have been keen to avoid at this stage, but we just have to get on with it.”

“We’ve watched him closely in training over the last week and he did well when he came on as a trialist on Saturday,” said Alex.

“He has terrific ability and craft, and can offer us another option on the left or the right side up front.”

Hamdaoui was pencilled in to take part in today’s closed-door game at Stenhousemuir.

Togo international right-sided front man Didier Paass and Ghanaian midfielder Akwasi Okyere were also set for a run out, as was recent signing Bob Davidson.

Striker Bryan Deasley has returned to training after missing out on the trip to Dingwall, but fellow-frontman Kevin Smith is still unwell.

Meanwhile, midfielder Ross Harris has joined Bobby Mann on the transfer list after requesting a move.

He commented, “We are absolutely delighted with the backing we will be getting.

“The club really is appreciative of the support which will be travelling through to the game and wish to express our thanks to those who are going to Tynecastle to cheer the team on.

“At this time of the year, money is tight, so for so many to be making the effort is great.”

The Perth men go into the game minus Derek Lilley and Willie McLaren, who are both cup-tied, Derek having played in the competition with Morton and Willie with Airdrie United.

Kevin James, Allan McManus, Martin Hardie and Peter MacDonald are nursing knocks, but should be OK.

Saints, meanwhile, will have one eye on tonight’s other CIS Cup semi, when Falkirk take on Kilmarnock at Fir Park, Motherwell.