“I really don’t like looking further ahead than the next game, but this week I have been looking at those two together,” he said.

“Right now, I still believe Motherwell are favourites — they are third and have a game in hand on ourselves and Hibs, so they have to be.

“However, if we won on Sunday and then beat Motherwell, we would be in the box seat, although there would still be work to do. That’s not to say we’d be out of it if we did not win both, but it would be a boost if we could take maximum points.”

Those thoughts expressed, it was back to focusing on the next game and Craig is relishing the prospect of a Sunday afternoon in front of the Setanta cameras.

“It has the makings of a very good game and what I am looking for is the players to take the from they were showing before the split and continue it.

“We have been playing very well and, although when it’s like that you don’t usually want a free weekend like we’ve just had, it’s been a busy time for us and I felt the players needed the break.

“I gave them a few days off because they deserved them and they have come back this week looking fresh and the training has been good.”

Missing while they complete suspensions will be central defender Garry Kenneth and midfielder Danny Swanson. However, United were handed a fitness boost this morning when centre-half Darren Dods made an unexpected return to training after being sidelined for the last few weeks with a foot injury.

“He hasn’t done anything since the Rangers game and I didn’t think he’d be able to work with us today, but he managed a full session,” added Craig.

“Now it’s a case of seeing if he suffers any reaction, but I am more hopeful than I was yesterday.”

Should Dods miss out, either Danny Grainger or Mihael Kovacevic will come into the side.