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.