Along with his team-mates, Shimmin headed for Dundee University today for a series of fitness tests, but, so far, the one-time Arsenal kid has not joined in any of the hard running.

That’s because he reported for work on Friday suffering from a leg strain and, although it is not serious, his new manager is not taking any chances.

“I suspect that, because he wanted to impress from day one, Dominic has overdone things a bit while he’s been working on his own over the last few weeks,” explained Chis.

“That’s left him with a bit of a niggle. It’s nothing serious, but I don’t see any point in taking any chances with any player, so we’ve got him working with the physio and swimming for a few days.

“There is plenty time until the season gets under way, so it would be stupid to push people when we don’t have to.”

Likewise, although keeper Rab Douglas has been doing some handling work, the surgery he had on both knees late last season means it will be a week or so before he is in full training.

“Rab’s looking great and he is feeling fine, but we’ll stick to what the doctors said was best for him, and that way we know he’ll be ready for the first game.”

The chances of Chis being able to add to his squad soon increased when midfielder Maros Klimpl finalised his severance deal with the Dark Blues.

And, while the former Slovakian international was no longer in his plans, the manager had nothing but good things to say about his conduct.

“The problem for Maros was we had too many similar players for his position — and that meant someone had to go,” he added.

“My decision was it should be him and, since I told him that, he has been very professional about it.

“He came back obviously having kept himself in good shape and has trained as hard as anyone over the past few days.

“He didn’t want to sit about not playing, though, and I know he is keen to go back home and he does so with our best wishes.

“I would like to think his leaving does free up a bit of space and we’ll see what can be done.”

Still training with the Dens men are a trio of trialists, ex-St Mirren wide man Stephen O’Donnell, centre-half Scott Buist from Alloa and one-time Celtic kid Nicky Riley.

And although the 25-year-old watched the games against New Zealand, Paraguay, Italy and the Dutch from the bench, United appreciate he’ll need a holiday.

“I haven’t decided how long I’ll give him off and I’ll speak to him about it first — but he’ll get a few weeks,” confirmed team boss Peter Houston.

“He’s had a long season and I know he is the type of boy who will keep in shape while he’s away, so it is not going to be a problem.”

The other player who’ll be missing from training when the players report back for pre-season training on Friday is injured defender Mihael Kovacevic.

He’s due to visit a specialist in Glasgow again this week about his damaged knee ligaments and will continued to be closely monitored as he attempts to come back without undergoing surgery.

Meanwhile, a report that English Championship outfit Swansea City are set to launch a bid for midfielder Morgaro Gomis is news to United.

The club performed well on their return to the top division and were disappointed to finish eighth after looking like making the top six.

However, the noise from the home stands wasn’t as loud as it should have been and the Saints supremo commented, “The support was disappointing. The fans didn’t give the vocal backing they should’ve.

“The fans don’t seem to realise the difference that makes.

“Away from home it’s a different story. The fans are very vocal and now I want to see that repeated at McDiarmid Park. I’m looking for a bigger and more vocal support.”

Meanwhile, Brentford winger Cleveland Taylor could be on his way to Saints.

The former Bolton player has also had spells with Burton Albion, Exeter, Scarborough and Scunthorpe and is waiting on a settlement from Brentford.

If he signs on at Perth, it's likely to be on a one-year deal.