And they have come up with exactly the solution the Dark Blues did not want.

They have ordered that the game takes place in West Lothian on Tuesday and, in the event of a draw, the replay will take place tomorrow week.

That’s left a worst-case scenario of Jocky’s men facing Livi just hours before heading for Dumfries to complete preparations for the all-important clash with Queen of the South on Saturday week.

With plenty of time until the fifth-round ties are due at the end of the first week in February, it’s a move that’s left the Dens boss baffled and unimpressed.

“This is absolutely the situation we wanted to avoid and to say I’m not happy is an understatement. I’m told, though, there is nothing we can do,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to the SFA and pointed out there is plenty of time before the next round to fit in a replay if one was needed — it could be on Monday week and the tie would still be completed well in advance of the next round.

“They are adamant they want all the ties completed next midweek and won’t budge. All it needed was a little common sense from them, but we are not getting that.

“And what has particularly annoyed me is that a replay would be our home game and we should have a say when it is. We are not getting one and that goes against convention.”

As the situation stands, if a second game is required, Dundee may go into it with a considerably-weakened team — a move that could lead to sanctions against them from the SFA.

Of course, Jocky is well aware of the best way to deal with the matter now and fans can expect a very positive approach on Tuesday.

“As would always be the case, we will be approaching the tie as one we want to win and the thing to do now is make sure we get a result in the first game.

“It still does not change the fact that what’s happened is not right.”