That means he is not taking his starting place against the league leaders for granted.

“I want to get right back, especially for a game as big as this and, if I am not picked, I’ll be gutted,” said Wilkie.

“I have to be honest, though, and say I’d understand why. Every time Garry has come in this season, he has done a very good job and, from the manager’s point of view, it might be tempting to go with someone who has been doing well.”

Wilkie also accepts that the competition Kenneth’s provided has been a good thing for the defence, and he knows his best form is required to keep the U/21 cap on the bench.

“When you have boys you know can come in for you and do a good job, it keeps you on your toes. It means there is a bit of depth to the squad and that has to be a good thing for us.”

That said, it’s clear the former Dundee man expects to be lining up for the 4 pm start in front of the television cameras and he is determined to see United give a better account of themselves than when they went down 3-0 at Parkhead at the end of September.

“That was one of the biggest disappointments of the season for me, because we went there and did not perform at all.”

Putting that right this time would be the perfect kick-off to what promises to be a testing festive programme.

After the Hoops, United head for Motherwell this weekend then play host to Hearts on January 2, before travelling to Rangers on Saturday week.

“It’s a tough few games for us and coming so close together won’t make them any easier. I must admit, I don’t understand why they do that at a time when it’s usually cold and pitches are starting to cut up badly, but it’s just something you get on with.”

With Hamilton leading only on goal difference, Robertson knows that, if he and his team-mates keep winning, any slip-up by the top club will see Dundee move into first place. If that’s the case over the festive programme, he’ll be delighted.

“We have done well in the past few weeks to get right up beside Hamilton, but we have not been top of the league yet and that’s where we want to be. If you get there, you are the team all the rest are looking at and trying to catch. I think that, psychologically, it would be a big thing for us.”

The first opportunity for Dundee to move ahead comes on Boxing Day when they visit Queen of the South and Accies play host to Clyde, and Robertson knows the most important thing from his team’s point of view is taking care of their own business.

After a run of four wins in a row, it’s no surprise he’s confident they can do that.

“We are on a good run and we are going into every game looking to win, which is how it should be. That’s good because last season we struggled with away games, in particular.

“Now, though, there seems to be a steely determination about us and we are picking up points — we’ve a couple of tough away games at Queen of the South and St Johnstone over Christmas, but I think maybe our secret has been that we approach every game in the same way and we are always prepared.”

So far, that’s done the trick and only two league games have been lost this term. Even so, Robertson does not believe Dundee have been firing on all cylinders.

“We are doing well and we are pleased about results, but I don’t think we’ve produced our best football since we beat Partick at Dens in August. There is definitely more to come from us and, if we can start producing it, we can put ourselves in a good position.”

Midfielder Paul McHale has signed a one-year extension to his contract and boss Alex Rae is confident one or two others will follow suit over the next few days.