And the points tally of 13 from the opening six games represents the best return since 1992 and Jim McLean’s last season in charge of the team.

At this early stage of the campaign, though, the present manager is not interested in such statistics.

“People need to stay calm — as I said at the beginning of the week, we’ve achieved nothing yet,” said Craig.

“And I can assure you, no-one here is thinking about where we might be tomorrow night. The only thing we are thinking about is trying to win another game — I mean that.”

That the fans are eyeing such a lofty position is thanks largely to an excellent defensive record that has seen just two league goals conceded.

With Christian Kalvenes out for a month with a torn calf, there will be an enforced change to the rearguard and the manager has confirmed the left-back slot will go to utility man Stuart Duff.

“It’s a blow losing Christian because he’s been excellent, but we have Stuart and he will come in,” said Craig. “He’s not a natural left-back, but, in the previous games we’ve played him there, he’s always done OK, so we’re going to go with him.”

Fresh from signing a contract extension on Tuesday, midfielder Morgaro Gomis is backing in contention after missing Sunday’s win over St Mirren through suspension and looks likely to start.

While United are flying high, having taken just one solitary point so far, Gretna are still in search of a first top-flight win.

Craig, though, has warned this has the potential to be as tough as any away fixture at this level.

“We’ll be regarded as favourites for this game, but we’ve not done enough to deserve that away from home against anyone.

“I’ve been telling the players that they need to be at their best. We’ve had Gretna watched four times and they’ve not been playing badly.

“I watched them against Hibs and they were 2-0 up at half-time and deserved to be. It’s going to be a really tough game.”