However, indifferent form by the former Dundee United player, saw the Frenchman given a recall for the Scottish Cup win at Motherwell.

Roy was again handed the No. 1 jersey for last Saturday’s league clash against Morton, but had to come off in the first half with a groin problem.

And, with the injury proving slow to clear, Samson looks set to be between the sticks at the weekend.

“I’ve got to say, at this stage, it probably looks unlikely Ludo will make it,” said manager Alex Rae today. “But, if he doesn’t, we’ve no worries about using Sammy.”

Wide man Gavin Swankie has shaken off the effects of a flu-type bug and was able to take part in training today.

Also swelling the squad’s ranks was a trialist central defender. Although Alex wouldn’t reveal a name, he did confirm the man involved had been capped 60 times for his country and had been playing in America’s MLS as an import.

“It’s the one area of the park where we are definitely short of cover, so we’ll have a wee look at him in training and see where we go from there,” said Alex.

Meanwhile, the manager was delighted to hear that ticket sales for the Scottish Cup quarter-final tie at Queen of the South had been going well.

“From what I gather, there aren’t that many left and I’d imagine the game is going to be a sell-out.

“It’s a tight park down there and the stands are close to the pitch, which should make it an excellent atmosphere.

“The fans gave us great backing in the last round at Motherwell and I’m sure it will be another great day out for them.

“But we have important business to take care of before we can get round to thinking about that.”

However, with his squad options improving, Craig may be tempted to pull the former Dundee centre-back out of the firing line.

“Lee has had a problem with his back which seems to have manifested itself into a hamstring problem,” said Craig.

“But, just like the rest of the lads, he wants to play every week, so it’s a case of just seeing how he is in training and taking it from there.

“It’s important the team is fresh and the good thing from my point of view is that, with several players coming back, our options are increasing.”

Meanwhile, defender Christian Kalvenes is back training and is fit enough to be considered for Saturday’s game at home to Falkirk.

Craig will tonight attend a meeting of the Federation of Dundee United Supporters Clubs in Club 83, St Salvador Street, Dundee. The meeting starts at 7 pm, with a question-and-answer session beginning at 7.30. All members are invited.

Rather than have a day off with the rest of the playing staff yesterday, McBreen was working with physio Nick Summersgill.

Meanwhile, Saints boss Derek McInnes has to decide who will partner Kevin Rutkiewicz in the centre of his defence at Morton on Saturday. Stuart McCaffrey, Kevin James and Allan McManus are the candidates to replace the suspended Steven Anderson.