So far this term, Jocky’s focus has not strayed one inch from his main mission, getting the Dark Blues back to the SPL, and that’s even been reflected in his team selection for cup-ties.

Now, though, he wants his men to make the most of the chance to get their hands on a knockout trophy.

“This week, we’ll concentrate on the final and it will be a nice change for the players to just be thinking in terms of a one-off game,” he said.

“The good thing about a final is that, even if you go behind, your thoughts are only on that game and not on missing out on three points and how that will affect the league position.”

For all he wants this to be an enjoyable experience, the build-up will be taken seriously and the aim is to bring back the first domestic trophy available this season.

“We want to win it and I want the players to give a good account of themselves. What I’ll be telling them is that, whatever the outcome, they have to make sure they come off the pitch knowing they could not have done any more.

“There are few worse feelings than getting to the end of a final and knowing you could have done more — and I don’t want them experiencing that.”

The first few days of preparations are likely to be spent clarifying who will be available, but, other than the return of Under-21 internationals Leigh Griffiths and Chris Casement, the squad will not be too different from the one that was on duty for the weekend draw with Queen of the South.

Certain to be dropping out is Paul McHale after the midfielder limped off on Saturday with a groin injury.

His place is likely to be taken by Brian Kerr — if he proves he has recovered from an ankle knock.

“We’re not sure yet how bad McHale is, but the initial fear on Saturday was that he could be out for a few weeks, which is a blow,” explained Jocky.

“He’s been doing a job for us and we’ve a few injuries in that area, so it is something we could have done without, but I am hopeful Kerr will come back in.

“He tried some training on Friday, but when it came to a game situation he was not able to take part. Another week should be enough for him to get back.”

Around 5000 of the 6000 tickets Dundee were allocated have now been snapped up and fans are being urged to get their briefs as early as possible. The ticket office at Dens is open during the week, but there will be no sales on Sunday.

Meanwhile, training with the youths just now is one Kyle Hendry, son of Scotland legend Colin, whose career started at Dens.

The midfielder was at Blackburn and earlier this season trained with Rangers, who recommended him to Dundee.

Weaver has had a niggling groin injury recently, while the last few weeks have seen Webster struggle to shake off a flu bug.

“Nicky’s problem was hampering him a bit, but this should have given it time to clear and the bug he’s had has taken a lot out of Andy, so a weekend off was good for him,” said Craig.

“With Lee Wilkie and Garry Kenneth both out, having him 100% is good and, if you look at our teams so far, he and Darren Dods have started most often.

“That means there should be no problem for Sunday, but we really don’t need any more people getting injured, so we’ll be careful in training.”

Tomorrow, United are facing the other half of the Old Firm in a reserve friendly and that will mean another run-out for comeback men Jon Daly, Kevin Smith and Keith Watson.

While it is inevitable once a vacancy, as looks likely in the next day or so, arises, Craig’s name will be linked to the Scotland job, but, with George Burley still in his post, he was not getting involved in any such talk.

And, even when the axe falls on Burley, the manager is likely to distance himself from any speculation and concentrate on his job at Tannadice.

However, despite Craig’s reluctance to talk about it, the bookies today had no such hesitation, installing the United gaffer as 9-4 favourite to replace Burley, should he go.

United’s half-season tickets go on sale tomorrow. These cover 12 home games, beginning with the visit of Kilmarnock on Boxing Day, with prices starting at just £30 (£2.50 per game) for kids under 12.

Long-term absentee Andy Jackson is still a bit away from a return and an ankle injury makes Steven Milne doubtful.

Defenders Dave Mackay, who has been suffering from a bug, and Stuart McCaffrey, who was nursing an injury, were back today, but Graham Gartland is a big injury doubt for the weekend.

Meanwhile, teenage striker Steven Reynolds has been allowed to go on loan to Ayr for 28 days.