Striker Higgins has been out since a knee op. that followed his Alba Challenge Cup Final appearance in November, while defender McKeown has just completed a loan spell at Stirling Albion.

It was designed to get him games as he recovered from the latest bout of groin trouble that’s dogged his Dens career, though adverse weather restricted him to just a couple of appearances for the Binos.

“Along with David Cowan, who is a bit behind them, they are training with the rest of the squad and it’s about putting in some hard work to bring them on,” said Jocky.

“Higgins, in particular, is coming on quickly and it shouldn’t be too long before he is ready.”

While it is a case of sooner-the-better as he tries to get all his players fit, Jocky won’t be taking any risks and that’s why he knocked back a couple of offers of closed-door games this week.

“It’s too soon for the likes of Higgins and Cowan, but that should have changed by next week and I will try to get a game for them then.”