Back in October, Alex did hit himself in the pocket when he picked up a second yellow card, and with it a red, for post-goal celebrations against the Jags.

On Saturday his two bookings, the second in the 90th minute, were for tackles and that means there will be no financial penalty.

“If it was one of the other players who was sent off in those circumstances, I would not fine him, so I won’t be fining myself either,” he explained.

“I have to say I felt the thing was a bit harsh. I committed only three fouls over the whole game and got booked for two of them, so I think I can consider myself unlucky.”

Although Scott Robertson is out for the rest of the season, Paul McHale all but ruled out with the knee problem that forced him to miss out at the weekend, and the manager himself suspended, he feels he still has sufficient options for midfield.

“Derek Lyle was in there again on Saturday and scored a goal from midfield, so we have him and I can pull Kevin McDonald into the middle as well,” added Alex.

“It could also be a chance for one of the young boys to come in and show if he can handle first-team football, so I’d hardly call this a crisis.

“I’m still disappointed that I will not be playing because Hamilton on Saturday is the final home game and we are determined to finish at Dens on a high.”

Despite limping off injured in the first half at Thistle, it is hoped in-form striker Dyron Daal will be fit to face Accies.

The big Dutchman aggravated a knee problem picked up in training on Friday, but it is not believed to be a serious injury, and he could be back in training within the next few days.

Craig, though, knows staying in the top flight is far more important to the opposition than cup glory and believes Saturday’s date with his in-form United is a bigger fixture for them.

“Whether the cup replay was before or after our game, I don’t think it would ever be a factor,” he said.

“Dunfermline are battling to stay in the SPL. That means they’ll be giving us their full attention on Saturday and won’t be thinking about the replay until after the final whistle.”

Craig is set to be without impressive winter break signing Morgaro Gomis. He has made rapid progress and broken into the first team since his arrival in January, but is likely to be halted by a groin strain.

“That was why he had to come off against Aberdeen and I don’t expect him to make it by this weekend. I’d say I am 90% certain I won’t have him.”

A similar injury also makes David Goodwillie doubtful. Definitely out will be long-term absentee Craig Conway, plus Mark Kerr, who begins a two-game ban.

“We have had a few minor things affecting several players which is why they did not train, but, other than those we’ve mentioned, I’m expecting a full complement in training this week.”

“This is now our most important game of the season,” said Simon, who is available for Saturday’s home game against QOS. “The boys are going looking for three points and will be giving it their all. We can still overtake Gretna and we have a great spirit in our squad. We’re desperate to win tomorrow.”