He is making good progress, but even the Hearts clash being put back 48 hours to be shown by ESPN on Monday, August 17, has not changed the manager’s view that it will come just too soon for the defender.

Knowing Wilkie as he does, however, Craig accepts the big man will probably have other ideas.

“For me, the main thing is that the surgery was a success and his knee is feeling better than it was at the end of the season,” said Craig.

“He has been doing a lot of work on a bike, in the pool and in the gym and he is coming on well, but I would still say it will be another 10 days before we have him back with the rest of the squad.

“That makes it touch and go for the Hearts game because he’s never been the quickest starter to a season and I think he’ll need a couple of games to get ready for the first team.

“I am erring on the side of caution and it could well be that Lee sees things differently. If he has other ideas and proves me wrong, I won’t be complaining.”

Tomorrow night, United head up to the Highlands for a friendly against Inverness Caley Thistle and, in addition to Wilkie, David Robertson looks set to miss out.

The midfielder had a frustrating time in Ireland last week when an ankle problem that has proved slower than expected to clear ruled him out of all three games over there. He is not too far away from fitness, but will not be ready for this one.

“We’ve a few other minor things, but I’d expect the ones who were playing in Ireland last week to be available,” said Craig.

That won’t stop him looking to add to the strength in depth at Dens, and this week could see him secure a couple of players for the defensive areas.

“If you look at our draw against Aberdeen on Saturday, only one player played the 90 minutes — Eddie Malone at left-back,” said the gaffer.

“If anything was to happen to Eddie, I could use Craig Forsyth in there, but I see him as one for further forward and I think his performance at the weekend showed why.

“Because of that, if I can — and it’s still an ‘if’ right now — I’ll bring someone in as cover and to provide a bit of competition for Eddie and also maybe someone who can play in other defensive areas.”

Even in advance of signings No. 10 and 11, Jocky was forced to admit he is happy with the depth of his squad.

“On Saturday, and this is something a Dundee manager has not been able to do for a long time, I was able to pretty much change the whole team at half time and not affect the quality of our play,” he added.

“That really pleased me and to see so many players who I know can do a job if they are in the starting line-up is great.

“It’s left me with some hard decisions to make when it comes to picking the teams for Stranraer and Morton.

“That’s what I want and the nightmare for me would have been a squad with 11 players who knew they’d start every week and the rest knowing they’d be subs.”

Tonight, the Dark Blues embark on another two-games-in-24-hours schedule when they play Arbroath at Gayfield. Rather than Saturday’s wholesale changes at half-time, Jocky will use one set of players for this game and another for tomorrow’s visit to Forfar.

“Rab Douglas had no problem with his calf-stroke-Achilles on Saturday, but he strained his stomach, so he’ll sit out tonight and play tomorrow.

“Likewise, Dave Cowan and Pat Clarke are not quite ready for Arbroath, but I’m hoping they will make Forfar.”

Tonight starting line-up — Bullock; Casement, Benedictus, Lauchlan, Forsyth; McHale, Paton, Cameron; Hart, Higgins, Antoine-Curier.

Dee 4 Life hope to re-arrange the Fun Day, postponed yesterday because of the poor weather, for next month.

Graeme Smith has a thigh injury and is doubtful for Saints’ friendly at Cowdenbeath tomorrow night. Jody Morris is also an injury doubt.

It’s hoped Peter MacDonald will be back in full training by the end of the week following his hamstring injury, but Andy Jackson is still six weeks away from returning from his knee problem.