“Kiko’s technique wasn’t in question, but I had a decision to make and we have other options we are pursuing,” said boss Alex Rae today.

Those “other options” are Chris Pozniak and Darren Williams, who impressed as trialists in the opening-day win against Ross County at Victoria Park.

The Dundee gaffer has agreed a deal in principle with Canadian international midfielder Pozniak, while negotiations are progressing with defender Williams.

However, even if those talks fail to reach a conclusion, Alex still has the option again of using both as trialists when Clyde visit Dens on Saturday.

Meanwhile, defender Craig McKeown is on the comeback trail.

The powerful centre-half played for 45 minutes last night as a Dark Blues side won 4-0 at junior outfit Violet.

And, although he won’t be rushed back into first-team action, his outing at Glenesk has given everyone at the club a boost.

“Craig did alright, but it’s clear he’s still a bit ring-rusty which is only to be expected at this stage,” said Alex.

“We’ll fix another game up for next midweek and he’ll get another run in that, but it’s great to see him back on the pitch and it’ll be good for him, too.”

The Dundee United gaffer had intended sending a strong squad including the two newcomers to the Tannadice pool. However, torrential rain in the city meant the fixture had to be postponed.

“One of the trialists is a centre-back and the other plays wide right, but they are just young lads and this game would have given us a wee chance to have a look at them,” said Craig.

Also denied a run this evening were defensive pair Paul Dixon and Garry Kenneth, midfielders Greg Cameron and David Robertson, and front duo David Goodwillie and Andis Shala.

Meanwhile, with United’s SPL opener at Hamilton not until Monday, Craig is hopeful Francisco Sandaza should be available. The Spanish striker scored the only goal at Plymouth on Saturday, but picked up an injury in the process.

“Francisco has a slight thigh problem but it’s nothing too serious and the extra days until our first league fixture should help him,” said Craig.

Warren Feeney also has a minor strain.

The manager, meanwhile, declared himself satisfied with the outcome of yesterday’s meeting with the SFA beaks at Hampden.

The United gaffer was fined £5000 for an outburst against referee Mike McCurry after a game against Rangers at Ibrox last season.

And, although he hasn’t ruled out the prospect of appealing the fine, Craig was happy the way the case was dealt with.

“Following comments made by SFA president George Peat after the incident, I was a bit concerned the hearing would be influenced. But that wasn’t the case when I went in front of the panel and I felt they took the case on its merits.

“The main thing for me was that I wasn’t banned. It’s important that I can be in the dugout whenever I want so I can get my instructions over.

“As for the fine, I’ve still to discuss it with the chairman, so I’m not sure whether or not we’ll be appealing it.”

Marco Andreoni grabbed a hat-trick as a young United side beat Blairgowrie juniors 3-2 at Davie Park in a testimonial for long-serving Berrypickers Mark Brash and Andy Murray.

He was replaced by Stuart McCaffrey at the interval during last night’s 5-1 thumping of Stenhousemuir in the Co-operative Insurance Cup and boss Derek McInnes is hopeful Rutkiewicz will recover in time.

Steven Anderson, Jody Morris and Collin Samuel didn’t make last night’s game due to injuries and only have an outside chance of being fit for the weekend.

Liam Craig misses out due to serving a one-match ban and the manager is working to bring in a left-back.

Saints have struggled to fill the position since Goran Stanic left at the end of last season and Craig has been filling in there.

However, he’s banned after being sent off against Livingston and Derek is striving to make a permanent signing or bring someone in on loan.