And, should the Celtic man make the starting XI., he can have a big impact on proceedings, according to St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes.

As a skilful midfield man during his career with Morton, Rangers, Toulouse, West Brom, Dundee United, Millwall and St Johnstone, McInnes knows a talented player when he sees one.

And when he saw Robson as a young lad on Rangers’ books, he was impressed with his ability.

Unfortunately, injuries affected Robson’s time with the Ibrox club and he was released. However, McInnes is “delighted” the fiery midfielder has made it big and, should the boy from Invergordon line up against Macedonia, the Saints boss will watch his performance with interest.

He said, “I was a Rangers player when Barry was there and we met up again when we were both on the books at Dundee United. There was no doubting his talent at Rangers, you could see he was a very good all-round player. He was a confident lad, too, but had a lot of injury problems and Rangers let him move on.

“We met up again at Tannadice and I’ve seen him progress from his injury setbacks. Barry works hard on and off the pitch. He’s always trying to improve himself and has a great attitude.

“He’s taken on board what he needs to do to be a good professional and, even though he’s now a Celtic and Scotland player, he’s always striving to do better.

“And not many players can deliver a ball with their left foot like Barry. It’s one of the major things he has in his locker and he really enjoys scoring.

“He can be a big player for Scotland tomorrow. And, if he is, I’ll be delighted for him.”

While everything went to plan, however, his gaffer was keen to play down the significance for that return from medial ligament problems.

“We did leave him on a little longer than we originally intended, but everything was very controlled, so this is just another step in the right direction,” said Alex.

“It was pleasing to see him back and now we will just continue his build-up gradually. If he continues to make good progress, we’ll sit down in six or seven days and decide what’s next.”

That could be taken as a hint Cameron could be involved against Dunfermline on Saturday week, though Livingston’s visit to Dens seven days after that seems a more likely target.

In addition to Cameron’s return, Alex has been pleased by the work put in by other players in the week’s two bounce games — Hibs were faced on Tuesday.

“Bryan Deasley got a couple of goals last night and scored at Hibs, so that will have done him good, and I was pleased with Bob Davidson’s work.

“Add to that another couple of games for Craig McKeown and the squad is looking a bit healthier.”

Meanwhile, the row with the SFA over Dundee’s demotion from the elite level of the Youth Football Initiative because two qualified youth licence holders were not in place when the set-up was audited in May, rumbles on.

Following an appeal, the association have indicated there will be another audit next month and, if the Dark Blues, along with fellow-demoted clubs Dunfermline and Ross County, successfully come through it, their elite status will resume next year.

Dens chief executive Dave MacKinnon, however, remains frustrated that Dundee were demoted in the first place and believes that wrong should be recognised via immediate reinstatement.

YOUTHFUL TANGERINES

With the first-team squad off, it will be a young DUNDEE UNITED side that lines up against Montrose in the Forfarshire Cup semi-final at Links Park tonight.

Prices for the Co-Op Cup clash with Airdrie United at Tannadice on September 23 have been reduced to £14 for adults and £8 for concessions.