And there is also a chance the January transfer window could see versatile Motherwell defender Martyn Corrigan heading back to Dens Park.

Corrigan enjoyed a successful loan which ended after the win against St Johnstone early last month and attempts are being made to get him back for the second half of the season.

Hamilton have moved to strengthen their squad by adding Austrian Roman Wallner, Motherwell’s Simon Mensing and Gretna’s David Graham on loan, and the feeling is Dundee will have to make moves as well if they are to maintain pressure on the division leaders.

Today, the manager was keeping his cards close to his chest, but admitted to delight at already being able to extend Malone’s stay to the end of this month.

“He has done very well since he arrived and, along with the rest of the boys, had a good game at Dunfermline on Saturday,” he said.

“Martyn Corrigan did well when he was here, too, and, obviously with the transfer window not too far away, there are a few things we are looking at.”

And Alex did not hide his delight at what he believes was another huge win for his team.

“I said last week that Dunfermline would climb the table as the season went on and nothing I saw on Saturday has made me change my mind about that.

“They still have a strong squad and good players and I was very pleased with the way my players went about their business. In the first half, we matched them and, in the second half, put them under pressure. With a little bit of composure with the final ball, we might have been more comfortable than 1-0.”

“We did have a lot of bodies missing and I suppose that makes the defeat understandable in a way, but it does not change the fact we were disappointed to lose to a team who are below us in the league,” he said.

“That is not something that has happened often to us and that says everything about the progress the players have made.”

And the good news for United fans is that, by the time this Saturday’s trip to Falkirk comes round, the manager will have a considerably stronger squad to pick from.

“I will be very surprised if I do not have five back. Barry Robson and Sean Dillon have served their suspensions and I’d expect Christian Kalvenes, Noel Hunt and Prince Buaben to be fit again, so that should give us a boost.”

By the end of the week, Craig Conway should also return to full training after his metatarsal break.

“Craig sees the specialist in the next few days and that should see him get the green light, but he has been out for a long time and will need a couple of weeks training before we would think about giving him any sort of game.”

As one player nears a return, another is set for a lengthy injury absence. The bad luck that’s dogged Steven Robb since he joined United struck again on Saturday when he tore a groin muscle. He could be out for two months.

“We feel for him because it has been one thing after another and this will need a bit of time to heal,” added Craig.

Lee Wilkie’s booking on Saturday means he will miss this month's clashes with St Mirren and Gretna through suspension.