Also returning to Tannadice today, much to the delight of the manager, was Willo Flood, having completed a year-long extension of his loan deal from Cardiff.

It was feared the midfielder would be heading back to Wales when his deal expired at the end of last season. However, a determination on the part of the Tannadice management and board, and an eagerness by the player to return to Tayside, saw the popular 23-year-old join the rest of his team-mates as they were put through fitness tests at Dundee University today.

And Craig feels the desire shown by Flood to return to the club, epitomises the bond between the players.

He said, “It’s great to have Willo back, because for a while we didn’t think it was going to happen. But he enjoyed himself here last season and I think that showed in his performances.

“He’d spent a lot of time playing reserve football for Manchester City and Cardiff and we gave him the chance to play regular first-team football.

“That’s what we offer all the young lads coming in and I’m excited about the prospect of having a few more on board today.

“There is also great spirit in the dressing-room. Many of the guys are of a similar age and they really do get on like a house on fire. Hopefully, that will help the new lads settle in quickly.”

Following today’s fitness testing, the squad will report back tomorrow and will spend the majority of next week working out at St Andrews.

The manager, meanwhile, will step up his search for a striker over the weekend.

Gary MacKenzie is set to miss out, but, although the big centre-half is suffering from blisters, he was always likely to be on the sidelines.

Boss Alex Rae explained, “Gary does have a wee problem with blisters, but he’s definitely fit enough if we wanted to use him.

“However, it’s important we take the opportunity to see what the trialists can do, and two of them are central defenders, so it make sense to leave Gary out.

“Anyway, we have a hectic schedule coming up next week, with three games in the space of five days, so Gary will get plenty of time to get a game or two under his belt.”

The squad fly back tomorrow and a decision on whether or not the trialists are invited to continue with the club will depend largely on how they perform this evening.

And, after putting in a power of work during the last week-and-a-half, Alex is looking forward to seeing his side in action.

“We’ve done most of the hard work and the boys have all done really well, so it’ll be good for them to get some match time.

“But, as with all the friendlies we have lined up, I’m not really interested in scores.

“Obviously, you want to win every game you play, but, at this stage, we’re more concerned about getting everyone through the game unscathed and getting back home safe and sound tomorrow.”