But, with skipper Barry Robson and Sean Dillon now free of suspension, plus a host of other players working their way back to fitness, boss Craig Levein will be better placed squad-wise for the trip to the Falkirk Stadium.

That’s good news for the manager, who, in particular, welcomed Robson’s return to duty.

“I always keep saying he is our best player and, obviously, you don’t want your best players out,” said Craig.

“Saying that, we’ve done quite well without him, with a win, a draw and a loss since he’s been out.

“And I don’t think you could put the defeat against Caley down to just Barry Robson being missing.

“It’ll be good to have him and Sean Dillon available, though, and Noel Hunt should be fit as well.

“We’re also hopeful that Prince (Buaben) and Christian (Kalvenes) will also make it.”

In contrast, the Dark Blues have taken nine points from their last 12, beating Hamilton, St Johnstone and the Pars in the process.

That sort of form makes the Dens men odds-on favourites to add another three points to their tally on Saturday, but the manager is wary of the threat Albion possess and is taking nothing for granted.

He wants to see his side maintain their good form leading up to the festive period, when games come thick and fast.

“We struggled a fair bit when we played Stirling Albion down there and the game finished 2-2 and, really, it could have gone either way,” said Alex.

“So we certainly won’t be taking anything for granted on Saturday.

“I know they are at the bottom of the league, but, if you look at their stats, they’ve lost only five of their games and drawn eight, and that tells me they are a difficult side to beat.

“We’ve got a couple of games coming up before we have a short break before Christmas. Then we’ll dust ourselves down and get ready to go again.”

Unlikely to be included in the squad to face his former club is wide man David O’Brien, who is battling to shake off an ankle knock.

And, although the Dundee squad isn’t overflowing in terms of numbers, the manager won’t take any risks with the 23-year-old.

“We won’t be rushing David back just for the sake of it. We have to take care we don’t aggravate the injury.”

Striker Bryan Deasley (ankle) is Dundee’s only other injury concern.

It’s thought Irons and Farningham, both former Dunfermline players, would give serious consideration to a move to East End Park.

Despite their precarious position — the Pars are second bottom of the First Division — club chairman John Yorkston insists he is in no hurry to appoint a successor to Kenny, who recorded only eight league wins in 39 attempts, although he did lead them to the Scottish Cup Final last season and this season’s Challenge Cup Final, the Fifers losing both.

Veteran forward Jim McIntyre, the former Dundee United player, has been placed in charge of team affairs meantime and will be assisted by coach Craig Robertson.

Another name being linked with the position is East Fife team boss Dave Baikie, whose side currently top the Third Division.