His last visit to the national stadium, just a couple of weeks back, cost him £5000 when he was fined for his criticism of ref. Mike McCurry’s error-strewn performance when United lost at Rangers in May.

Prior to his arrival today, Craig admitted he expected this trip to be less expensive and, hopefully, far more constructive.

If the latter has been the case, he believes the real beneficiaries will be the match officials themselves.

“I do not know exactly what the format is, but there are a couple of points I would like to make if I’m allowed,” he said as he headed west.

“And for me, if there is one change that should be made it is the use of video to review the big calls in games.

“I’m not talking every single decision, but things like whether or not the ball has crossed the goal-line, penalties and sendings off should be reviewed.”

In the past, argument against such a move has focused on how time consuming it would be, but Craig feels modern technology’s use in other sports has shown that is no longer an issue.

“If you look at our penalty claim against Celtic on Sunday, the game probably stopped for something like a minute as our players argued with the ref. about it.

“If that had been referred to a video review it could have been dealt with in about 10-15 seconds, so it would have saved time instead of wasting it.

“And I really do believe it is a no brainer and something that would help the referees most.

“Surely, from their point of view, it would be better to wait 15 seconds and get the call right instead of the way it is now when they wait a day and then have to apologise on a website.”

Despite his recent costly run-in, Craig is a supporter of referees and believes meeting like this should be regular events.

“I think it’s a good idea because we have to work together and it is better if we do that professionally and get along.”

After the meeting, he was staying at Hampden to take in the Scotland-Northern Ireland friendly.

Young United striker Johnny Russell has joined Forfar on loan till the end of the year.

Cameron (knee) and Lauchlan (groin) were injured against Bradford City last month in the final friendly of the Dark Blues’ build-up, while Young (ankle) has been crocked since early in the pre-season.

He and Cameron are now back running, however, and before too long could be seeing some match action.

“They are coming on, and, if they continue to improve, I will be looking to organise a game for them,” said Alex today.

“I’m not saying that will happen next week because the one thing I do not want to do is rush them back before they are ready — but things have looked a lot better for them over the last few days.”

And while centre-half Lauchlan remains some way behind the two midfielders, Alex is not reading too much into his forthcoming hospital visit.

“We wanted the scan to check his abductor muscle, get a clear picture and see if there is a problem with that, but he has been making progress.”

Eric Paton, meanwhile, has returned to full training after a slight groin strain and will be fit to face visitors Morton on Saturday.

Andy Jackson made his Republic of Ireland U/21 debut away to Austria in Vienna last night. They match ended 1-1 with the home side equalising with the last kick.