Having been through the same scenario at Shelbourne, Dillon knows exactly what tomorrow’s opponents are going through.

While it could be a concern off the park, he knows, on it, it’s likely to be a case of business as usual.

“At Shels, I went seven weeks without seeing a penny and it wasn’t nice, but, in that time, we clinched a championship. That shows it’s something you can play through,” says Dillon.

“When it happened with me, I was single and living with my folks, so I wasn’t as affected as some of the lads who had kids and mortgages to look after.

“It still wasn’t nice and, in the end, I told them I just wanted to move — luckily, United had come in for me and that was a move I’d have made anyway.

“Having been through it, I do have sympathy for the Hearts boys and, whatever the reason for it, it’s not nice when pay day comes and you don’t get your money.

“Like we were at Shelbourne, though, they have been doing well and the one thing they’ll want to do is keep that going. That means, from our point of view, their situation is not an issue.”

And, while Hearts have climbed to third in the SPL table, back-to-back wins mean United are looking to improve their own league position.

“It was good to get our first league win at Aberdeen last Saturday and the way we took care of Airdrie in the cup on Tuesday was good. We want to make it three wins in a row now and keep the run going.”

Dillon is a certain starter tomorrow and the only question about his participation is on which side of the defence he’ll be.

At Aberdeen he switched to left-back, while Mihael Kovacevic’s absence against Airdrie saw him back on the right. Either way, he’ll be happy to play.

He continued, “The first thing you look for is to be in the team — where you’re playing is secondary. I’ve played both full-back positions a lot and, although I am more comfortable on the right, there are positives to being on the left as well.

“When I’m on that side, the whole park is on my stronger foot and that gives me the option of cutting back inside if I want. Defensively, I’m comfortable in both positions, so it does not bother me.”

While he can’t have been happy to hear of the troubles at his old club, Craig Levein will remain focused on United’s interests this weekend.

“The only thing I have paid attention to coming out of Tynecastle is how they’re playing — we’re not really interested in the off-field stuff,” said the Tangerines manager.

“That’s nothing to do with us and, if anything, a bit of adversity often spurs a team on, so we won’t be treating them lightly.

“Sometimes a bunker mentality is a good thing for a group of players. They are arguably the league’s form team at the moment because they’ve started the season really well and the way their team is playing is the only news coming out of there I’m bothered about.”

Jon Daly will return to the home line-up after confirming he is ready after attending the birth of daughter Sophie, but Kovacevic is a doubt because of that facial knock.

That’s because when he took Saints to Dens Park in March, they suffered the agony of losing to a last-minute Colin McMenamin winner.

And, while the Dark Blues boss was blasted by fans as his team lost 3-0 to First Division leaders Livingston last week, he is still expecting a tough game as Dundee look to bounce back.

“The criticism he’s had is unjust. Alex will be motivated tomorrow, but, having lost at home to Dunfermline and Clyde, we need to get back to winning ways at McDiarmid Park,” said Derek.

That support was appreciated, but, recalling their battles down south, Alex expects no favours.

“I think I’ve still got a scar on my calf from playing against Derek,” he laughed.

“He was a committed player and it is that level of commitment that’s taken him into management and will ensure his team is always hard to play against.

“If I remember correctly, the season I played against him for Wolves ended with West Brom. getting promoted — it would be nice if it happens the other way round this time.”

Dundee are set to give a debut to on-loan Rhian Dodds, while McMenamin could return to the starting line-up in a bid to end the recent goal drought.

For Saints, former Dundee man Gavin Swankie and defender Steven Anderson have recovered from injury and have been included in the squad.

And the manager is looking for the recent recovery that’s produced a win at Ross County and a draw at Queen of the South to continue.

“We need to back our good form up with a string of wins, and a derby match is ideal for continuing a good run of form and getting another win on the board.”

Meanwhile, a report that business man John Bennett will complete his proposed takeover of Dundee next week is way wide of the mark.

Bennett is out of the country until early October and, while he has held detailed talks with Dens chairman Bob Brannan, more discussion will be needed before a deal can be sealed.

Just as significantly, it’s understood Bennett remains undecided over whether he will proceed with the plan.

His inclusion somewhat offsets the loss of defender Colin Watson, who has damaged ankle ligaments, and striker Gary Middleton, who is completing a ban.

And manager Ray McKinnon is confident he has the pool to cope with the historic occasion, which sees Lochee and Bathgate compete in the senior competition for the first time.

“It’s a blow having these two unavailable and the players are devastated to miss out, but I’m confident we still have enough quality in the squad to win the game,” said Ray.

“Bathgate will be tough opponents, there is no doubt about that. They have vast experience all over the park, but we have home advantage and we’ll be looking to make that count.

“We also have a young, hungry side here and, although we’ve been involved in many big games in the recent past, I’ve noticed an edge in training this week and I think the players are bursting to get going.”

The second-round draw, which will include Third Division teams, takes place at Thomson Park after the game, which kicks off at 2.30.

“That’s definitely an added incentive for us to get through,” said Ray.