The 24-year-old has been putting in some serious work on the training ground recently and today’s outing at Raydale Park offered him his first steps back into the front line.

That was good news for team boss Craig Levein, who made the long journey south to watch Daly in action.

“Jon’s been training for the last couple of weeks and everything seems OK,” said Craig. “He’ll probably get 45 minutes today and we’ll see how he gets on.

“There is no doubt we have been lacking in numbers up front recently so it’s good to get him back involved.”

Also pencilled in for a run today were defender Garry Kenneth and midfield trio Mark Kerr, Stuart Duff and Greg Cameron.

Christian Kalvenes, who has been out with a calf tear, wasn’t involved, although it’s hoped the Norwegian full-back will be fit enough to return to the squad which entertains Motherwell on Saturday.

Former Grimsby hitman Darren Mansaram is said to be interesting the Tangerines. The 23-year-old is currently plying his trade with Bohemians in Ireland.

United’s CIS Cup quarter-final at home to Hamilton goes ahead on Wednesday, October 31 (KO 7.45).

However, although he remains on the treatment table, the manager hasn’t given up hope the 29-year-old will be available for the game against the league leaders.

“We are still assessing the situation with Davie, but the good thing is it wasn’t a pulled hamstring, so I don’t think it’s a six-week job,” said Alex today.

“We’ll see how he goes over the next few days, but it’s far too early to rule him out for Saturday.”

Worrell remained on the treatment table at Dens yesterday as the Dark Blues squad were put through their paces at New Douglas Park. The Dens men were taking the opportunity to test out Accies’ plastic surface and the manager described the workout as a “worthwhile experience”.

Meanwhile, a mainly young squad will head for a closed-door game in Stirling tonight. However, their numbers will be boosted by a trialist defender, who will get the opportunity to show what he can do.

The Dark Blues have denied interest in 22-year-old Longford striker Dave Mooney.

“Having scored there the other week, I’m looking to do so again tonight,” said the Denny-based youngster.

“We have a chance to reach the Challenge Cup Final and we aim to be there.”

The Perth men are still without long- term injured duo Kevin James and Steven Milne, and Martin Hardie is also still out.

Martin also won’t make this Saturday’s away league game against Livingston.

Saints team boss Owen Coyle commented, “Martin’s injury is improving, but it’s a slow process. He won’t play tonight or on Saturday.”

Injury also rules Jamie McCluskey and David Weatherston out tonight.

For Morton, who felt aggrieved at not leaving Dens Park on Saturday with at least a point, they go into the game without the injured trio of Chris Millar, Michael Gardyne and Dean Keenan, while Iain Russell is cup-tied.

Meanwhile, Owen confirmed Saints inquired about former player Simon Mensing, now at Motherwell, before the transfer deadline.