Craig, however, admitted there were parts of the performance that left him less than satisfied.

“I thought the first half was a non-event and, if we’d played it twice or three times like that, we would still have got nothing out of it,” he said.

“The important issue right now is fitness and getting sharpness, and we don’t expect much on things like shape and tactics, but I still expect better than we saw in those 45 minutes.

“I have to say the second 45 minutes was better. A few things pleased me and, to be fair to the players, they are working hard out here, but I’ll be looking for an improvement tomorrow.”

Among the positives for the manager were the performances of scorers Argentinian striker Damian Casalinuovo, who has now been signed up on a two-year deal, and fit-again midfielder Scott Robertson, who missed a big chunk of last season with a pelvic problem.

“Damian was one of the ones who managed to do well in the first half and I was pleased with his contribution, and Scott is now moving freely and it’s a long time since we’ve seen that.

“It was good to see him looking like the player we saw before he got injured last season and he will have benefited from the game.”

Meanwhile, back in Dundee, youth coach and former fans’ favourite Dave Bowman and a team of Dundee United all-star legends are gearing up to raise money for the fight against skin cancer.

For a minimum donation of £100 that will go to charities, they will take on any five, seven or 11-a-side team for friendlies. Dave and his team will also provide their services for other fund-raising purposes, as long as the minimum donation is made for the benefit of the skin cancer charity as well.

The idea has come from the establishment of the Dundee United Former Players’ Association, and Dave, therefore, has a whole host of United legends to choose from. Already committed are the likes of Ray McKinnon, Gary Bollan, Grant Johnson, Darren Jackson, and Paddy Connolly.

“Dundee United is strongly behind the battle against skin cancer and raising awareness of this issue, particularly among the young,” said United director Derek Robertson. “Two young United fans, Alan Clarke and Ally Watt, have died from this condition and the club is determined to play a role in skin cancer prevention, as a fitting and lasting tribute to them.”

“We were up against a team who were decent and also five games into their build-up, so they were a bit ahead of us and, right now, I am not paying attention to results,” he said.

“The players looked strong and, at times, played some good football. We also had unlimited substitutions and I was able to get everyone I wanted time on the park.

“These are the things I’ll continue to look at against Borussia (Monchengladbach) tonight and for the next three games after that.

“After we’ve played Arbroath and Forfar on Monday and Tuesday is when I start thinking in specific terms about what the team for the first competitive game should be. Don’t get me wrong, the goals we lost last night were bad ones to lose and we’ll do work on that, but a lot of what I saw was encouraging and that pleased me.”

Without wishing to provide players with excuses in advance, Jocky accepts a second game in 24 hours, one that involves a step up in class of opposition, in what are taxing conditions, will be a test for the players.

“When we got off the bus for the game last night, it was still up around 29 degrees and it is sunny again today, so heat is going to be a factor,” he added.

“This will be a hard one, but it’s a good game to have landed and I’m looking for another good exercise.”

Today, the condition of a couple of players who took minor knocks against Augsburg was being assessed to see if they could be on duty again this evening.

Sean Higgins suffered a dead leg and, while it is nothing serious, he may have to sit this one out. Craig Forsyth took a bang on the head, but, having got up and played on, looks likely to be involved.

An extra bonus from mainland Europe was news that defender Chris Casement’s quicker-than-expected recovery from injury will see him stripped and on the bench, and there was also good news from back home.

Striker Leigh Griffiths turned out for the youths against Dundee junior outfit Violet at Glenesk Park and grabbed one of the goals in a 3-0 win.

“I was on the phone last night to see how he did and he got an hour or so. That’s pleasing, and I’ll be checking on him when I get back to Dens on Friday,” said the gaffer.

Dundee are holding an Open Day at Dens on Sunday (10 am-2 pm). Fans will get the chance to collect autographs and have their picture taken with the players, and can watch the squad as they are put through a light training session.

Moon is working his way back to fitness after a bout of mumps and MacDonald, who has a hamstring problem, is working with a fitness coach.