Right now, he admits he feels fresh, but continuing next term would take him past his 38th birthday and he admits it might be time for him to stay in the technical area.

That’s something he has done increasingly in recent weeks, though last Saturday’s absence for the game against Hamilton was due to suspension and he does plan to return to the starting line-up at Broadwood.

“I’m pretty sure I’ll be playing on Saturday, but beyond that is something I will have to think about over the next few weeks,” he said.

“Right now, I am feeling good and that’s something I’ll take into consideration, but there is no question it is a hard shift combining playing and managing.

“It has been a bit easier in the second half of the season because we have had more bodies available and I have been able to spare myself, but earlier it was tough because the squad was so tight.

“There are a few things I’ll take into consideration before I reach a decision and, right now, I’m not sure what it’ll be.”

As well as continuing work to extend the contracts of several players, the hunt for fresh talent is continuing and it has been confirmed former Dundee United goalkeeper Tony Bullock is a possible target.

He has spent the last two-and-half seasons at St Mirren after a move from Tannadice to Gillingham did not work out, but is expected to leave Love Street in the summer.

“There are three or four goalkeepers I am looking at who could provide competition for Ludovic Roy, and Bullock is one of them. He has good experience and is a decent type, but nothing has been done yet and we are considering others as well,” explained Alex.

One player not on the Dens wanted list is Elgin City striker Martin Johnston, despite a report claiming he had snubbed the Dark Blues and would be heading for Brechin next term.

“He is not a player I’ve ever watched and neither have any of the staff, so I don’t know where this has come from. If the guy walked into reception today, I would not know him from Adam,” added a bemused Alex.

At Dunfermline last Saturday, Robson was selected after a rib injury meant David Robertson could only make the bench and that problem has ruled the youngster out of training so far this week.

Also sidelined have been Morgaro Gomis, because of the groin injury that has troubled him since the victory at Aberdeen early in the month, and youth international Greg Cameron.

Cameron’s recent impressive form has been despite a hernia that boss Craig Levein revealed today could require surgery once the season is over.

If that was the case, it would almost certainly rule the teenager out of any involvement in the U/20 World Cup in Canada at the beginning of July.

He is presently in the U/19 squad for a friendly against Austria next week and the upcoming European qualifiers at Dens and McDiarmid parks next month, but is also in line to play in the older age group at the world finals.

“The medical staff have made me aware there is a problem and he might need an operation, though I’d stress it’s only a possibility just now,” said Craig.

“He should be able to complete the season, though, along with Gomis and Robertson this week, he had not trained before today.

“They all still might make Saturday and, given the way they’ve been playing, I would not worry if they were not quite 100% fit because that’s not unusual at this time of the season.

“If even one of them doesn’t make it, though, I probably won’t have a decision to make on Barry because we will need him.”

Strathclyde Police have warned fans not to travel without a ticket.

Meanwhile, Saints have fitness doubts over Kevin James (groin) and Peter MacDonald (leg).