But manager Peter Houston is optimistic the on-loan Rangers man will be part of his plans for the weekend.

“Andy did a bit of work yesterday and was able to do some more today, so we’re hoping he’ll be fit for the weekend,” said Peter, who may also see his defensive options further boosted by having Paul Dixon and Mihael Kovacevic available.

United will be putting their impressive away record on the line at Parkhead, and, despite the Hoops coming in for criticism from their own fans following last week’s high-scoring draw at Aberdeen, Peter knows they remain formidable opponents.

He said, “Celtic are a great side, but they have a lot of new players and they will take time to gel.

“They’ve been getting a lot of stick because they drew 4-4 at Aberdeen and I think Tony Mowbray has been unhappy about their defending of balls into the box.

“But they still managed to score four and we know they are dangerous on the attack.

“A similar thing happened to us down at Kilmarnock recently when we scored four, but came away only with a point because of poor defending at corner-kicks.”

Peter was at McDiarmid Park last night to watch St Johnstone dismantle a Hibs side vying with United for a European slot.

Saints’ 5-1 win means Hibs remain only a point above United in the table, with both now having played the same amount of games.

“There is still a long way to go and plenty games to be played, but last night’s result certainly wasn’t a disaster as far as we are concerned,” said the United boss.

Meanwhile, United’s Scottish Cup quarter-final opponents were confirmed last night when a Kris Boyd goal five minutes from time gave Rangers a 1-0 win over St Mirren.

The Tangerines will now face Walter Smith’s men at Ibrox on Saturday, March 13, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

“We’re playing the champions on their own patch, so it will be difficult, but, when the game comes along, we’ll go there and be positive.”

Former Dundee favourite Kevin McDonald, now plying his trade in the Premier League down south with Burnley, is also included.

Full squad: Barclay (Falkirk, on loan to East Stirling), Gallacher (Rangers), Martin (Leeds United); Caddis (Celtic), Easton (Burnley, on loan to Hamilton), Hanlon (Hibs), Mitchell (Falkirk, on loan to Ayr), Perry (Rangers), Scobbie (Falkirk); Arfield (Falkirk), Coutts (Preston), Davidson (St Johnstone), McDonald (Burnley), McGinn (Watford), Shinnie (Rangers, on loan to Dundee), Wotherspoon (Hibs); Goodwillie (Dundee Utd.), Griffiths (Dundee), Loy (Rangers, on loan to St. Mirren), Maguire (Aberdeen, on loan to Kilmarnock), Murphy (Motherwell).

Of far more importance was the fact his players were able to improve their match-fitness.

And, with seven games scheduled over a 24-day period during the month of March, having a healthy squad to choose from will be crucial.

“It was great to get a game, because some of the lads badly needed it — and it showed,” said Jocky.

“The result did not really matter, but it was important the guys got a game under their belt.

“Craig McKeown came through OK and, although Sean Higgins picked up a knock, it’s nothing serious and I think he’ll be fine to get a run-out next midweek in another bounce game.”

Dundee’s busy fixture list in March has been added to by having two games rescheduled.

The fixture against Ayr United, postponed last Saturday, will now go ahead at Somerset Park on Wednesday, March 17, while the visit to Dunfermline, cancelled because of Dundee’s involvement in the s Scottish Cup, has been re-dated for Tuesday, March 30.

“We know we have a lot of games coming up, that’s why it’s vital we have as many players as possible match fit,” said Jocky.

The Perth men will know the full extent of the damage to Deuchar later today, but it’s unlikely to be as bad as was first feared.

Meanwhile, Jody Morris, who missed out last night due to a stomach problem, has a chance of being fit enough to face Rangers.

However, MacDonald, Kevin Rutkiewicz, Stuart McCaffrey, Martin Hardie and Filipe Morais are still out injured.