“I’d love to see Barry playing, but I think the fact Scotland won on Saturday, plus Barry Ferguson returning after suspension, means it’s highly unlikely he’ll get a game,” said Craig today.

“It would even be great to see him sneak a place on the bench, but, regardless of what happens, it will have been a wonderful experience for him.”

Robson, along with Garry Kenneth and David Robertson, who are on duty with Scotland Under-21s — they meet Denmark at East End Park, Dunfermline, this evening — will join up with rest of the United squad later in the week as they prepare for Sunday’s home clash against St Mirren.

Another player who could be involved in the game against the Buddies is Greg Cameron, who played in yesterday’s 5-2 reserve defeat at Inverness Caley and came through unscathed

“Greg got through the 90 minutes yesterday and I believe he did OK,” said Craig.

“He’s now at the stage where he is ready to return, but it will be difficult for him because the team has been doing well.”

However, even if the young full-back has to be content with a place on the sidelines, the Dens gaffer is delighted to see the club represented at national level.

“It’s a great honour for Paul and also for the club. I’m sure the experience will do him the world of good,” said Alex.

Meanwhile, the Dark Blues are trying to find out the extent of Craig Sives’ injury.

The Hearts defender, currently on loan at Dens, has been out for two months due to a hernia problem and Dundee are becoming increasingly concerned about when the 21-year-old will be fit for action.

“Craig had a double hernia op. during the summer and the point at which he joined us was when he was expected to start training again,” added Alex.

“But that’s not how things worked out and now we are attempting to clarify his situation with Hearts, where he returned for treatment.”

A Swiss trialist continues to be put through his paces at Dens and Alex will make a decision on the defender by the end of the week.

“Barry would be about 14 or 15 when I used to pick him up at his house and take him to those training sessions,” said Alistair.

“You could see then that he was an exceptional talent.

“When I joined St Johnstone, I brought Barry up to McDiarmid Park on occasion. He knew some of the lads who were signed and who were training with Saints, but there was only one place he was going to go when he went full-time and that was Rangers.”

The Parc des Princes will be a cauldron tonight, but Alistair feels Barry has the temperament to handle it.

“This is a big, big stage for Barry, but he’s worked so hard and done so well in his career.

“I never doubted his ability to make it, so am not surprised to see him captaining Scotland again. Temperament, desire, hard work, skill — he has it all.

“Tonight’s game is massive and he could play a massive part.”