“It was a decent meeting and there was a full and frank exchange of views and a few people put their point across forcibly,” was how Craig described the gathering.

“In a lot of ways, it was a chance to clear the air and, hopefully, that was done, but the proof of the pudding will be in the eating and only time will tell if it’s done any good.”

Craig stayed on at Hampden to watch Scotland’s friendly against Northern Ireland and, although United striker Warren Feeney was a surprise omission from the away team’s starting line-up, once the 27-year-old did get on he impressed his gaffer.

“Warren did away well for his team. I wouldn’t go overboard about the game, but it was a useful exercise for both teams.”

Scotland boss George Burley felt so and, although this was billed as the final warm-up before next month’s World Cup qualifier in Macedonia, he seemed particularly pleased at the number of fresh faces he was able to include.

Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson made his debut from the start and more of the next generation were introduced in the second half.

“We were able to blood the likes of Darren Barr and Kris Commons and Michael Stewart and Christophe Berra showed they had something to offer,” said the national coach.

“Of course, we are disappointed we did not win, but it was a useful exercise.”

He did, though, admit he has little idea of what his starting line-up in Macedonia on September 6 will be.

“We’ve got four or five players, who you would regard as regulars, injured at the moment and, until I know who is going to be available, I won’t know the team.”

Returning to United, centre-half Garry Kenneth is expected to make Fir Park after missing the Scotland U/21s victory in Lithuania because of an ankle knock.

“The last few weeks it’s not always been pleasant training because of the rain, but we have not had too many problems underfoot and that’s because of the work the groundsman (Brian Robertson) does,” said Alex today.

“He prepare surfaces for training and I’m very happy with the work he does on our pitch.

“It’s one of the best, if not the best, in the division and I know we are working on things like the drainage to make it even better.

“The way we play, it helps if we have a good surface and Brian is an important member of the team.”

Set to be back on the perfect pitch on Saturday is defender David Cowan. He has now had several days full training after the head knock that saw him left out as a precaution for the draw at Airdrie.

His return could see Craig McKeown, who is not fit enough for 90 minutes yet, stood down from his substitute duties.

“That’s something I will have a think about, but right now I haven’t decided on the starting line-up or what the bench for Saturday will be,” Alex added.