Full-back Malone believes his arrival can only boost what’s already an impressive drive for promotion.

“I think we’re all pleased to have him back, because he is a good player and you are always pleased when boys with ability join,” said Malone.

“He did well for us last season and I’m expecting him to do the same again. It should be easier for him, because he is coming to a more settled team this time.

“When he came before, we were on a bit of a downer and it says a lot for him that he did well, but, this time, he is coming into a team that’s going well and that has to be a help.”

And Malone’s aim is to ensure Dundee are still going strong after tomorrow’s clash — the second week running they’ll have faced the team in second spot.

“If we can get the points, it will be another good win for us. Nothing is going to be decided by this result, whatever happens, but it’s obvious you want to do well against your rivals.

“Last week, we got a good point at Queen of the South and, if we can get three in this one, it would be great.”

A home win would mean that, even if County won their games in hand, they would still be trailing the Dens men, though Malone admits he pays little attention to such stats.

“I do know that, if they beat us and then kept winning, they would be able to go top, but I don’t think about stuff like that.

“What we have to do is keep concentrating on our own game and, if we do that and are winning, we will stay top, it’s that simple.”

Boss Jocky Scott has also set his sights on three points and, while he concedes his team have not been at their best in recent weeks, he has praised his players for continuing to pick up points.

“We’ve been down to picking from 16 or 17 bodies, because of injuries and suspension, but the players have kept grinding out the results and that’s to their credit,” he said.

“Tomorrow, we are against the team who are our main rivals just now and they’ll be on a high because they’ve had some good results.

“We are at home, though, and we want to increase our advantage, so we will be looking for a win.”

Centre-half Gary MacKenzie completes his three-game ban this weekend and will be available for next week’s cup game against Ayr.