When Dixon was sidelined by injury back in November, his place was taken by Craig Forsyth and, although he played a starring role in the victory at Livingston, the teenager was the only available replacement.

Although he will be in contention for a place this weekend, he may miss out to experience in the shape of Danny Griffin.

“Obviously, it is a change we don’t want, because the defence has been doing a lot better over the last few games and you wouldn’t want to do anything to disrupt that,” said Alex today.

“At least we have a couple of people who we know can come in a do a good job. Young Craig did well when “Dicker” was injured and I’ve also got Danny Griffin pushing to get back into the team.

“He has been working very hard in training and he’s been impressive. The only thing that has kept him out is the form of the men with the jerseys.

“Danny isn’t a natural left-back, but, like Gary Smith, I know his experience means he could cope with being asked to play on that side.”

And, while he’d rather not have to tinker with his team right now, Alex does admit the one-game break might not do his promising left-back any harm.

“Dicker has done an excellent job for us all season and, if he was available, he’d be playing. He is still a young player and this could help keep him fresh.

“It’s only one game and he’ll be back quickly and keep progressing. He is still learning his trade and he’s a joy to work with because he is very receptive to the things you tell him in training.”

He was seeing action again today as the reserves travelled north to Inverness, but, while medical staff are happy they have now got to the root of his troubles, a cautious line will continue with his fitness.

And that means, however good he is looking, the 24-year-old will not be pushed too hard too fast.

“I am being cautious about Steven because one more injury could finish his season. I’ve looked at his history and the muscle injuries have tended to come when he has been tired,” said boss Craig Levein.

“Since the exact nature of his problem was diagnosed, he has been following a fitness programme and been doing core work. That’s helping, but I am reluctant to think about starting him in the first team until he has had a few 90 minutes in the reserves.

“Today, he was getting an hour at Inverness and he’ll be on the bench again on Sunday and we will take things gradually.”

Also on duty in the Highlands this afternoon and returning to action much quicker than originally expected, was defender Lee Mair.

It’s just a couple of weeks since he picked up a knee ligament injury in training that was feared would rule him out for up to six weeks. His recovery, though, has been speedy and there were no worries over his involvement this afternoon.

“He’s been training hard and the knee is not a problem. If his fitness has been OK, he will be back in contention at the weekend,” confirmed Craig.

Wide man Craig Conway picked up a foot knock in training yesterday and, today, Christian Kalvenes was still feeling the shin knock he picked up in Paisley, but both should be OK in plenty of time to be involved against Hibs.

Fans are reminded that, with the game on Sunday being shown on Setanta, kick-off will be at 2 pm.

Tomorrow, United will complete the signing of highly-rated youngsters David Robertson and Keith Watson on new, extended deals.

Meanwhile, the Tangerines have blamed the poor state of the Tannadice pitch this season on Daddy Long Legs.

Mild temperatures led to an influx of the insects late last year and it transpires they have been laying their eggs on the playing surface.

Once the eggs hatched, larvae ate the roots of the turf, hence the bare patches that have been appearing.

The pitch has been problematic in recent seasons and is expected to be the subject of extensive remedial work over the summer.

Owen reports a few players nursing “bumps and bruises” following the Dundee match, but he hopes they will settle down as the week progresses.

Bryn Halliwell missed the Dundee game due to stitches having to be inserted in an elbow injury, but he should be fit enough to take his place in the squad for the Hamilton clash.