That being the case, Tangerines left-back Dixon is poised to appear on the Hampden turf at some stage. When he does, his club coach Paul Hegarty believes he will be right at home.

“Hopefully, Paul will get on and it will be a great chance for him to show he’s a very good player,” said Paul. “His club form means he deserves the chance and it should not do him any harm that Craig Levein and Peter Houston know him so well.”

Paul has only been working with Dixon for a few weeks since he returned to Tannadice to work with Houstie, but admits to being impressed by his ability and approach.

“He’s a very good professional and he showed that when he returned against Falkirk on Saturday after being out injured for a while,” he added.

“Credit to the staff for getting him fit again quickly, but Paul did brilliantly and looked like he’d never been out.

“He’s got a great left tab on him and the balls he puts into the box are a joy. That’s something Scotland can use well and he will enjoy the opportunities you get to go forward at international level.”

While a bigger test will be his defensive duties, his coach believes that side of his game is developing fast.

“He is an attacking full-back, but he is working hard on the other side of his game and it is coming on. One thing he will notice if he does play tonight is that, defensively, it is a step up at this level.

“He will be up against players who have the ability to move up a gear when they get near your goal, but that’s something he’ll learn to cope with.”

Andy Webster’s return to the national team after a four-year absence has already been confirmed and, while fellow centre-half Garry Kenneth looks least likely of the squad’s United trio to feature, Paul is convinced he’ll have benefited from his time away.

“For Garry, this is all about gaining experience and just training with players like Darren Fletcher will have taught him some valuable lessons.

“Fletcher trains the way he plays for Manchester United and to see how someone like him and others go about their work and approach big games will be invaluable for him.”

Heading back to Tannadice today was striker David Goodwillie after his stint with the Scotland Under-21 squad.

And, while most of his club efforts this season have comes from his feet, Jocky believes the wee man also poses an aerial threat.

For that to produce goals, though, the Dark Blues gaffer knows the quality of service he gets from his team-mates will be all important.

“Leigh scored a very good header last night and that did not surprise me because, from working with him, I know he has a good spring when he jumps and he does not just let the ball hit his head, he attacks it,” he said.

“What no-one should lose sight of, though, is the quality of the ball in from Chris Maquire. It was superb and that’s what will determine how many headers he gets for us. A lot of fuss has been made down south about the number of headed goals Wayne Rooney is getting this season.

“As well as he’s done, most of them have been on a plate for him because the crosses into the box have been so good — his goal in the cup final on Sunday was an exception, but the one he hit the post with later on was a perfect example, because he didn’t have to move to get to it.

“It’s the same for any striker and, whether the balls into them are high or on the deck, they can only score regularly if the quality is right, so that means it is up to others in the team to make sure the delivery is right.”

Jocky was delighted to see Griffiths get among the goals and, while he was surprised Andrew Shinnie did not feature, was happy to know both would be returning to Dens tomorrow fit and well.

“For me, it was the perfect scenario. Griffiths played well and got the boost of a goal, but was only on for 25 minutes, so it will not have taken too much out of him.

“I was very surprised Shinnie did not start, never mind that he was an unused sub., but, again, what is important for me is that he is fit for our squad this weekend.”

On the home front, Richie Hart is a big doubt for Saturday’s game against ICT.

Gartland, who has been ill, is back in training, and Morris, Moon and Deuchar, who have been suffering knocks, are due back training tomorrow.