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.