And, although they are likely to come up against lesser opposition, boss Craig Levein makes no excuses for sending his first-team squad to the west coast.

“It’s a competition I like and the format — five half-hour games — suits us perfectly for what we need at this stage of the season,” said Craig.

“It allows me to take a squad over there and give everyone a game. That’s something we couldn’t do in a 90-minute match.

“Although we may be facing some lower division teams and some youth teams, it’s a hard day and it’s never easy to score goals.

“It worked well for us last year and, hopefully, we’ll get the same benefit this year.”

One man who wasn’t in the travelling party which set off this afternoon was Garry Kenneth. The big defender has a knee problem, which required an injection, although the manager expects him to be fine for the start of next week.

Conor Grant (19) will provide back-up to goalie Banks.

The Tangerines, who won the trophy last season, kick off their quest to retain the title with a game against Alloa (KO 11.40).

St Johnstone are also taking part and they are involved in the opening game against hosts Oban Saints (KO 11 am).

Hearts and Hamilton are the other teams entered for the round-robin tourney, which goes ahead at Mossfield Stadium, Oban, and lasts until tea-time. Entry is £3.

Guadeloupe now play their final section game against Mexico on Sunday, but, with last-eight ties not scheduled until the following weekend, Curier’s return to Tayside is some way off.

He’ll miss the pre-season training camp in Austria, although, as Dundee boss Jocky Scott explained, there will still be training facilities available here should Curier return while the first team are away.

“Barry (Smith) will be here with the young lads, so he would come in and work with them,” said Jocky.

“When I looked at the groups, I thought Guadeloupe had a good chance of qualifying, so we just have to get on with it.”

Meanwhile, Jocky confirmed young defender Chris Casement will be in the party that travels to Austria next Thursday.

The Northern Ireland international damaged ankle ligaments on the training-ground and is likely to be sidelined for two weeks.

“It’s unfortunate for the boy and also for the club, but it’s important he remains involved and he’ll get treatment every day when we are away,” said the manager.

Leigh Griffiths, who has been suffering abdominal pain, has also picked up a cold and has been told to stay at home, although the former Livi man will continue to do a bit of work on his own.

The Dark Blues will be in again tomorrow when they’ll hold a full-scale practice match between the squad.

“This is a great opportunity for fans to come along to meet the manager and board just days before the opening league fixture,” said Dee 4 Life secretary Fraser MacDonald, who also expressed his delight that chairman Bob Brannan and directors Ian Bodie and George Knight would also attend.

“With so many new signings, it’s a great chance to hear Jocky Scott’s views first-hand on the new-look squad and our chances of promotion.

“And, with big-money signings dominating the headlines, our members will no doubt have some questions for the men from the boardroom as well.

“Dee 4 Life are committed to strengthening the links between the club and the fans, and this is another example of the sort of open, direct communication we aim to provide our members.”

Fraser also intimated the evening could see association numbers swell.

He continued, “Anyone who comes along will be able to join the Trust on the night for just £1.

“We also ask existing members to update their membership details.

“This will help us stay in touch and keep them up to date with the work the Trust is doing.”

The third-choice Rangers goalkeeper has quit Ibrox after two years in a bid to play first-team football.

Meanwhile, midfielder Kevin Moon has been sent home from St Johnstone’s Warwick training base.

Moon has been diagnosed with mumps and won’t feature in tomorrow’s game against Rushden and Diamonds.

Striker Collin Samuel is OK after suffering an injury, while Peter MacDonald, on the recovery trail from a hamstring problem, is doing some work.

Former Saints and Dundee United striker Jason Scotland’s switch to Wigan from Swansea moved a step closer today after the two clubs agreed a fee believed to be in the region of £3 million.