However, with Mihadjuks’ current club — Ventspils — crashing 3-0 at home to FC Zurich in the Champions’ League last night, it could be that they are now willing to stick by an agreement to release him from his short-term contract.

And that’s what Jocky was checking out today.

“I know their new coach wanted to have a look at him, but that’s them effectively out of the Champions’ League, so the situation might have changed now.

“I’ve been speaking to his agent, so the plan is to give him another call and take it from there.”

That won’t stop Jocky pursing other options and he has now made enquiries about another couple of central defenders.

“It’s not that long now until the transfer window closes, so I can’t afford to take any chances and I am pressing on so I can get someone in,” he added.

Meanwhile, there was some positive news for goalkeeper Rab Douglas, who saw a specialist yesterday and was told his stomach strain is healing.

He will, though, be sidelined for at least another couple of weeks and the medic confirmed the only cure for his problem is rest.

Not so good was the prognosis for defender Craig McKeown, and his latest bout of groin trouble is likely to see him going under the knife again. One positive is that the surgeon is confident of finding a cure.

“Craig’s probably going to have what’s called an abductor release and we’ve been told that should give his muscle more room,” explained Jocky.

“A problem for him is that he has missed a big of chunk of pre-season as well as games, so, even once he is ready to start training again, it will take him a while to get fully fit.”

Most notable among that number was Argentinian striker Damian Casalinuovo and he will be in the party that makes the Tangerines first-ever visit to St Mirren Park.

Not surprisingly, though, the starting line-up is unlikely to be changed much, if at all, from the XI. who starred against Hearts on Monday.

“The same rules apply this year as last. If, for any reason, players are out of the team, they have to accept that good performances from the ones who are playing will see them stay in there,” said Craig.

“With Damian, he’ll probably be in the squad and I am thinking about giving him a game in the cup-tie (against Alloa) on Tuesday.”

Looking further beyond next week, it remains likely the 22-year-old will be put out on loan until the end of the year to get him familiarised with the Scottish game.

“I’ve not decided for definite, but that is something that is still in my head. It will have a lot to do with the fitness of others and what my other options are like, but I think it is something that could be of benefit,” added Craig.

“We’re exploring every avenue to find out how to cure their injuries and there is a possibility it could be to do with balance.

“Hence the visit to the dental specialist to see if he can help. The two of them have consistently had these injury problems and we’re doing everything we can to get to the bottom of what is wrong.”

Meanwhile, Peter MacDonald heads to Germany on Sunday for an appointment with renowned specialist Dr Hans-Wilhelm MullerWohlfahrt in an effort to clear his long standing hamstring problem.

Chris Millar returned to training today and, providing he shows no reaction to his calf injury, he could be in the squad to face Celtic at Parkhead on Sunday.