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.”