It was a similar story in the goalless draw with Falkirk on Saturday and, going back through the month of February, Tannadice clashes with Hibs and St Mirren yielded less reward than Craig felt his players deserved.

However, so long as they maintain their recent level of performance, the manager is convinced results must soon begin to match the quality of football being played.

“It was disappointing again not to win last night, but we are playing well so there really is not any point in pressing panic buttons,” said Craig.

“In football, you go through periods like this and, although they are frustrating, you just have to keep doing the right things and believe you’ll get the results you deserve. To be fair to the players, I don’t even have to say much to them to keep their confidence up, because they know themselves they have been playing well.

“If you look at the last two games and even back to the draw here with Hibs, each time we have played well and created enough chances to win by a few. That’s why the boys have been so gutted after these draws because they know they should have had more.”

That said, as United edge towards securing a top-six place, Craig wants to see three points secured against Gretna on Saturday — whatever the level of performance.

“Hopefully, we will play as well as we have been and win this time, but it is all about getting a result, so if we don’t play well and win, I’d take that.”

Their point and favourable results elsewhere apart, another boost from last night was the absence of any fresh injuries. While the squad focus today was very much on Saturday and Gretna, supporters were looking forward to the big final date with Rangers a fortnight on Sunday. This morning, tickets went on sale to season ticket holders and business at Tannadice was brisk from early on.

Meanwhile, it was announced today that Kenny Clark will referee the Hampden final.

And definitely available for the weekend is central defender Milan Palenik, who is now clear of a two-match ban.

Normally both would be expected to go straight back into the team, but, with the defence impressing in the wins over the Ton and Stirling Albion, the gaffer admits he has a decision to make.

“The first thing I have to do is to be sure Ludo and big Milan are ready to play. I was looking at them in training today and it will be the same tomorrow,” said Alex.

“With Ludo in particular, the worry is he might break down and, with Craig Samson playing well, we will not be pushing him too hard to make it.

“Milan does not have any injury worries, but it has been a couple of weeks since he played and I want to be sure he is still sharp.”

The Dark Blues, meanwhile, are in the dark over a report from the Caribbean that Trinidad and Tobago champions San Juan Jabloteh will be facing them in a Dens Park friendly next month.

Jabloteh, who are managed by former England international Terry Fenwick and faced Dundee in a friendly in Trinidad in 2003, are touring Scotland next month and will face Arbroath.

Definitely out injured though are Andy Lawrie, Stuart McCaffrey and Martin Hardie, while suspension rules out Steven Anderson and Liam Craig.

Meanwhile, Saints will continue talks with former Chelsea and Leeds midfield man Jody Morris today as they attempt to secure him on a short-term deal.