Midfield lynchpin Willo Flood is on course to return to the Dundee United line-up for this weekend’s clash with Falkirk.
The 31-year-old was a late call-off for Saturday’s win over Raith Rovers after falling foul of a virus overnight on Friday.
And manager Ray McKinnon revealed, despite his illness, the Irishman had wanted to play.
“Willo was in the team and came in for the game but basically he was gubbed and we sent him home straight away,” said Ray.
“With a week to recover we’re hoping he will be OK for Falkirk because he’s a big player for us.”
Meanwhile, Ray remained calm when the gap to the top was double figures early in the season, didn’t get carried away when his team grabbed first place for a week at Christmas and didn’t panic when it had grown to eight points in Hibs’ favour by the end of last month.
So it should come as no surprise the gaffer is remaining on an even keel after seeing it reduced to six points at the weekend.
Since he took over at Tannadice last summer, he has predicted a campaign with many twists and turns and nothing that’s happened to date has given him reason to change that prediction.
“It’s a really competitive league and anything can happen,” he added.
“We just need to keep digging in and we will keep fighting all the way to the end. If we can maintain performances like that one on Saturday, we will give ourselves a chance.
“The gap got bigger than we’d like but we said we’d never give up and we won’t. It’s a tough ask because Hibs are a very good side but I have faith in my players.”
United’s Development League team make a rare appearance at Tannadice tonight — most home games take place up at Forfar — when they host Falkirk.
The game kicks off at six o’clock and admission, to the Jerry Kerr Stand, is free.
Meanwhile, United could be facing young striker Mason Robertson soon.
Last month they granted training facilities to the American college football star who is the son of former Aberdeen, Rangers and Scotland full-back David.
The 22-year-old is now on trial at Queen of the South and, if he earns a contract, could face the Tangerines in the semi-final of the Irn Bru Cup at Palmerston. The tie takes place on Saturday week.
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