And, while a posse of scouts from across the country will be watching from the stands, Alex has no problem with his players being in the shop window.

“Firstly, it shows what we are doing at this club is on the right track. It’s a great honour for the pair of them and for Dundee FC, because I think they are the first players in some time to be selected at this level,” said Alex.

“We know this will heighten their profile, but I’m not complaining about that one bit — we want as many internationals as possible playing at this club.”

Reports from the Under-21 camp suggest Dixon will start against the Czechs, but McDonald will have to be content with a place on the bench.

Meanwhile, looking back at Saturday’s 1-1 draw against St Johnstone, Alex was quick to praise Freddie Daquin, who grabbed Dundee’s leveller.

The Frenchman has come in for a bit of stick from some fans in the opening few games of the season, but his manager has been delighted with his performances.

“I’ve spoken to Freddie privately and told him he is doing a good job for us and I’ve every faith he will continue to do so,” continued Alex.

“He is very much a modern-day player and gets from box to box very well.

“He also compliments David Worrell very well and I think you can see that, so far, very few teams have hurt us down the right-hand side.”

Dundee have taken Arsenal youngster Marc Elston on a week’s trial. The 18-year-old striker has featured for the Gunners youth team.

That was being assessed by physio staff at Tannadice today and the manager is keeping his fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious.

“We don’t want to lose anyone to injury and David is a good attacking player,” said Craig.

“But the very fact he was sent home from the Under-21 team has me concerned it’s not just a minor thing, because I’m sure he would have played this evening.

“We’ll get Jeff (Clarke) to have a look at it and, hopefully, it’s not too bad.”

With doubts over Robertson, and Craig Conway struggling with a foot injury ahead of the weekend trip to the Highlands, the team boss is also hoping skipper Barry Robson keeps out of the wars when Scotland meet South Africa at Pittodrie tomorrow night.

Robson has been drafted in to Alex McLeish’s senior squad for the friendly international ahead of next month’s Euro 2008 qualifiers against Lithuania and France.

However, when the team was named this afternoon, Robson wasn’t in the starting XI.

The Tangerines second string were in action today, taking on Hibs at Station Park, Forfar.

Midfield pair Mark Kerr and Greg Cameron were both pencilled in for a run, but youngster Keith Watson was set to miss out due to a twisted ankle.

Willie McLaren, who is also bothered with a knee knock, is back in light training, while Goran Stanic, who was pulled out of Saturday’s game against Dundee after hurting his groin in the warm-up, is a doubt for this Saturday’s away match against Clyde.