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.”