He was still feeling the problem today and, in light of the game’s friendly status, manager George Burley has decided it would be unwise to take any risks with him.

And, with skipper Barry Ferguson only expected to get a half because of his well-documented ankle trouble, that points to Dundee United midfielder Robertson being involved at some stage.

Robson’s absence brings the total number of call-offs to seven, a problem which was also evident in Burley’s previous six games as Scotland boss.

Goalkeeper Craig Gordon, Kenny Miller, Darren Fletcher, Steven Fletcher, James Morrison and Ross McCormack have also been forced to withdraw.

Only Robertson and Aberdeen’s Lee Miller were called up as replacements, leaving selection options limited.

Meanwhile, boss Burley spoke of his admiration for new Argentina coach Diego Maradona.

He said, “Maradona is the best player I have ever played against and anyone who was involved in 1979 when he played against Scotland in a friendly at Hampden would agree with that.

“In my opinion, he was only behind Pele as the best-ever player. He was a magnificent footballer.”

The deal represents something of a coup for the Dark Blues as Shinnie is regarded as one of the more talented of the Ibrox youngsters.

He’ll have to battle for his place in the first team at Dens, though, and, by the time Saints head up the A90 next week, the opposition should have a sizeable squad available.

Last night saw Paul McHale and David Cowan return from injury in a closed-door game at Forfar, and also getting 90 minutes again were Gary MacKenzie and Jim Lauchlan.

“It was another worthwhile exercise and McHale and Cowan both got the full game. They were feeling it by the end, but they wanted to stay on, and that was good,” said Jocky.

“MacKenzie and Lauchlan will have benefited as well, and so will the ones who were on the bench on Saturday and I should be able to think of some of them in terms of starting places for St Johnstone.”

Also improving is forgotten man Darren Young. He continues to train normally with the rest of the first-team squad and, if his progress continues, he should get at least part of a closed-door game next week.

Meanwhile, ST JOHNSTONE central defender Kevin Rutkiewicz is resting this week as he’s been troubled by a niggling injury. However, along with Stuart McCaffrey and Derek Holmes, he’ll resume training on Monday for the game at Dens.

At DUNDEE UNITED, gaffer Craig Levein’s thought were also on those not in his first team right now.

He watched the reserves win at Falkirk yesterday and, while second-string displays are not the major factor when it comes to picking his team for a Saturday, Craig was pleased with what he saw.

“There is a big gap between first team and reserve games, so performances in these games are not something I worry about too much when I’m thinking about changes,” he said.

“I do like the players, particularly the younger ones, to keep playing regularly and what is important to me is that they go about their work properly. They did that yesterday and it is fair to say there were no failures in the side.”

Looking at Saturday’s clash with Hamilton, only young defender Keith Watson is not fit enough for top-team duty.

His return from serious knee trouble was halted by a problem with his other knee, though he did play yesterday.