Although full-back Paul Dixon made the same journey just weeks later, the fact Robertson was known as a die-hard Dark Blues fan made his transfer more painful for fellow-supporters.

While, though, he will undoubtedly take flak if he returns from injury at some point in the Tannadice clash, his manager believes it will not stray beyond acceptable levels.

“My only doubt over Scott playing concerns fitness because he has been out with this groin problem, but, if he has trained well and feels OK, the plan will be to use him at some stage,” he said.

“The fact he is an ex-Dundee player is not an issue because since he came here people have been more sensible about it than might have been the case in some other places.

“On top of that, while I would love to see Dundee back in the SPL so we can have four derbies a season, Scott left to go to a club in a higher division and people appreciate it was a sensible career move.

“And he is an honest boy who gives his best in every game.

“That’s why our fans have taken to him and Dundee fans will remember that.”

Robertson has a chance of starting, but is more likely to be a substitute and that will definitely be the case with fellow- comeback men Jon Daly, Keith Watson and Kevin Smith.

That none of that trio will be on at kick-off is confirmation Craig knows while the game is billed as a friendly it will have an edge.

“No one will be getting carried away, but when two rivals meet it’s always going to be a competitive game and tomorrow will be no different.

“I want to use the ones who have been out long-term at some point, but I know it will have to be once a bit of the pace has been taken out of the game.”

Tickets are still on sale from both the club shops at Tannadice and Dens, but there will also be cash gates for home and away fans.

The 32-year-old is keen to resurrect a career that has floundered since he left Scotland 18 months or so ago and has contacted his old club to ask for a trial.

That’s a wish that will be granted and it is now down to the player to make the journey to Dundee.

“There is nothing concrete, but he has been in touch and, as it is something that would not cost us anything, I would be willing to have a look at him,” said Jocky.

“I have to say, although I’ve heard some good things about him, he is not a player I know and I did not see him during his spell here. I’d want a good look before I would be willing to take things any further.”

Palenik’s lack of competitive football since quitting Dens is also a concern. Records show he’s played just 11 competitive games for lower league teams in Cyprus and Slovakia, and he has had knee trouble.

However, his form while playing under Alex Rae, means his old team are more than happy to give him a chance to show he can still perform to the level required.

A fit Palenik would have been handy for tomorrow’s friendly derby at Dundee United because right now Jocky is short on central defenders.

In-form Gary MacKenzie has joined long-term absentee David Cowan on the injured list after being ruled out by the flu that forced him off early in Saturday’s win over Airdrie.

It’s hoped MacKenzie will have recovered in time for the top-of-the-table clash with Queen of the South on Saturday and tomorrow his place is likely to be taken by Kyle Benedictus.

That will allow Eddie Malone to move back out to left-back and today Jocky was full of praise for the way his rearguard coped with MacKenzie’s early departure.

“I thought Eddie Malone and Jim Lauchlan did very well — Eddie looked comfortable and Lauchy showed all his experience in what could have been a difficult situation.”

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Tony Bullock will be out for a month or so after having knee surgery and missing the weekend win.

Collin Samuel is suffering from a persistent knee problem and is set to be rested. Stuart McCaffrey has had an injection in his groin injury, but should be training later in the week.