However, today, Craig was more interested in promoting our own brand of football in this country and claims, instead of seeking to jump ship, Rangers and Celtic should be “working harder” to improve their teams within the boundaries of this country.

He said, “To be honest, I’m fed up hearing about all of this.

“But what I will say is all the managers in this country outwith the Old Firm try to bring in players who are value for money and who can compete with Celtic and Rangers.

“It’s up to the Old Firm to do the same when they are looking for players to compete with the top teams in Europe.

“It’s easy to say they’ve no money, but they need to work harder to improve things like their scouting networks if they want to compete at that level.”

Quickly moving on to business in hand, the United boss admits he’ll be forced to make changes for tomorrow’s home game against Hamilton.

Danny Swanson and Prince Buaben are suspended, while Paul Dixon and Scott Robertson are injured.

That could see Mark Fotheringham make his home debut in the middle of the park, with David Robertson also in contention for a starting role.

Craig was giving little away today, but, whoever comes in, he’s looking for his team to put the visitors under pressure from the off.

“We are at home and we’ll be doing our best to get Hamilton on the back foot straight away.

“We’ll, obviously, be making changes to the side, but it’s an opportunity for those who come in to put in a performance that will keep them in the team. We’ve started the season quite well and I firmly believe this is another chance for us to pick up three points.”

Hamilton caused a stir a Tannadice last season, with Craig at loggerheads with Accies counterpart Billy Reid following a 1-1 draw.

That day, the United boss accused Accies of being negative and time-wasting, while Reid claimed his team had been the better side and deserved to win.

“That’s in the past now,” said the United manager.

“These things can happen in football. Mind you, if the same thing happens again tomorrow, you can be sure I’ll be complaining about it after the game.”

Hamilton will welcome back key men Mark McLaughlin and Simon Mensing after both were sorely missed in the 2-0 defeat against St Johnstone two weeks ago.

Captain Alex Neil (hip) could be back in the frame before the end of the month, while Derek Lyle (knee) and James Gibson (knee) are out for the season.

Harkins’ absence would undoubtedly be a blow for the Dark Blues. The classy midfielder has been an ever-present in the league this season and has been a key performer in many games.

“Gary has played in all the games and he’s scored a few goals, so losing him would definitely be a blow, but it would be an opportunity for someone else to come in and show what they can do,” said boss Jocky Scott today.

“Whatever changes we make, it will not lessen the strength of the team.”

Looking at the game itself, the manager wants his side to shake off a disappointing final 20 minutes at Ayr, which saw his team squander a two-goal lead.

“We went over the bad bits from Wednesday with the players today,” said Jocky.

“But, hopefully, we can replicate the positives from Wednesday and get rid of the negatives.

“The players need to be more aware during games. Morton are a decent side, who are dangerous at set-plays, so it’s important we don’t give too many away and defend properly.

“They’ll also show the same effort and commitment that Ayr produced on Wednesday.

“But it’s vital we handle whatever they’ve got to throw at us then get hold of the ball and get passing.”

Dundee will wear their traditional dark blue tops after being designated the home team for the ALBA Challenge Cup Final against Inverness Caley, which goes ahead at McDiarmid Park on Sunday, November 22.

The Highlanders will wear their white change strip.

Saints had been out of the SPL for seven years and, despite only recording one win since they came back, the Perth men have played well.

“It was good playing Rangers in cup games, but it’s better to be facing them in the league,” Derek went on.

“We put in a lot of hard work to get to the SPL and want to be involved in games like this. The occasion will take care of itself and it’s one we are looking forward to.”

“Rangers are firm favourites, there is no question about that, but if we can play the way we can, we can get a result.”

Jody Morris can be an influential figure for Saints who have benefited greatly from his experience and ability this season.

He has been laid low by a virus, but the Perth men are very hopeful he’ll make it.

The same applies to leg injury victim Filipe Morais, but a bigger doubt exists over Steven Milne, whose ankle injury is proving slow to clear up.

For his part, Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist would love nothing more than to see his old Ibrox team-mate Derek McInnes keep his former club St Johnstone in the Premier this season.

He has been thrilled by the success Saints have enjoyed so far and still looks out for their results.

However, McCoist insists there will be no room for sentiment — and hopes this will be one game which ends in defeat for the Perth club.

“I’m delighted for Derek, because he was a team-mate and is still a very good friend,” said McCoist. “I’m also delighted for the club he is working for.

“It was more than 30 years ago that I signed for St Johnstone, and it’s a club that’s still in my heart.

“I genuinely still look for their results. It’s a great club and I hope they continue to flourish under Derek.

“But we’ve got to go there and take the three points and we know how difficult it’s going to be.

“Derek has got them playing well and they are really difficult to beat.”

Rangers headed into their last game — the Old Firm derby — knowing defeat would see them fall seven points behind Celtic in the title race.

Instead, they secured a morale-boosting win and could go top themselves this weekend if they take maximum points from the lunchtime kick-off.

“It’s strange isn’t it?” said McCoist. “But that’s the life we live — you are either up or down.

“It’s a great chance to go top of the league and that’s the way we look at it. That’s the incentive — to be top of the league before the rest of the games kick off.”