Having expressed his annoyance over the time it took the association to confirm they would meet United’s demands when Levein was appointed Scotland boss a month ago, United chairman Stephen Thompson has stayed silent on the matter since a deal was thrashed out.

Today, he did confirm the figure that was stipulated in the manager’s Tannadice contract has not been forthcoming, but declined to comment any further.

The Tele understands, however, that, should the matter not be resolved soon, United will take action to get the money they’re due.

This lack of payment, so far, will not affect the continuing search for a manager that could still see compensation paid to gain the services of the right man, but that won’t stop strenuous efforts being made to force the SFA to act properly.

Meanwhile, after weeks of the big freeze, the United players finally got back to normal work today when training at their St Andrews base went ahead for the first time since before Christmas. That delighted caretaker-boss Peter Houston, who was happy to see his men back in their usual routine.

“It’s been a while training indoors or on the pitch at Tannadice, so it’s good to be looking forward to a normal build-up to a game,” he said. “One good thing about the weather has been the St Andrews pitches getting a rest, so the surface we’re working on is good.”

Striker David Goodwillie trained on his own today to protect the groin strain he’s been carrying since last week’s win at Hamilton, though his condition is not causing concern.

“He will be back with the squad Friday and Saturday, and he’ll definitely be OK for Falkirk on Sunday.”

Long-term absentees Scott Robertson and Francisco Sandaza were bound for Bradford today to see the specialist who has been treating their groin problems.

With Robertson, it is a case of wait and see, though he could face further surgery. With Sandaza, United are hoping for good news.

“Fran is still feeling wee bits and pieces when he trains, but we think it is just a bit of scar tissue and it could be something he can work through,” added Peter. “With Scott, it is just a case of wanting to finally get to the bottom of the problem. He’s still going to be out for a while, but at least if we can do that we can start thinking in terms of when he will be back.”

And, despite the uncertainty over the tie that’s stretched back weeks, Dark Blues boss Jocky Scott has insisted his players’ minds will be 100% on the job in hand this evening.

“Not knowing if the game was going on or not has been a pain, but now it seems it is and I’ve no worries that the boys will be anything other than completely focused tonight,” he said.

“Yesterday was annoying, because we were about to leave here when the game got called off, but now we just want to get down there tonight and take care of business.”

Although his players have had an extra day to recover from Sunday’s draining league win over Dunfermline, Jocky will not be straying from the line-up he decided on for last night.

“Part of my thinking in deciding to make changes was that a few of the boys have been carrying knocks recently and I’d decided to give them time to recover before playing at Queen of the South on Saturday.

“I don’t see any need to change that and the team we worked on for yesterday is the one I’ll go with. It’s one that can do the job if we show the right approach.”

Among those who could be sitting this out is weekend goal hero Leigh Griffiths. He took a knock just after grabbing a dramatic late winner against the Pars and, although he is desperate to face his old club, may not be risked. That would make way for Pat Clarke to come in alongside Colin McMenamin in attack.

In the event of a draw tonight, the replay would take place at Dens on Monday.

Meanwhile, Saints may send one or two players out on loan. Manager Derek McInnes said they’ll likely make a decision on that next week.