The lack of a Development League fixture this week means the best fit-again pair Lewis Toshney and Blair Spittal can hope for this weekend is a place on the Dundee United bench.
Spittal was an unused sub against Falkirk last week after recovering from a recent groin problem.
And Toshney is in full training again for the first time since he damaged ankle ligaments in the draw at Hibs early last month.
That might have seen both given game time for the youth team had there been a midweek fixture.
But the kids are not in action until Sunday when they face Lossiemouth in the Scottish Youth Cup.
Manager Ray McKinnon is unlikely, therefore, to throw them in from the start when he takes his team to face Queen of the South on Saturday.
“They should both be in the squad for Dumfries but they could both do with a game,” he confirmed.
“Tosher, in particular, has been out for quite a while.
“He’s looking great in training, but games are different and he’s only been back with the rest of the boys for a few days.
“I watched him running with Stewart Murdoch on Gussie Park on Monday and they both looked good.
“But I was still surprised when he was able to start training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday and we won’t rush him back.”
And with United aiming for a fourth consecutive Championship win when they go to Dumfries, Ray must be tempted to name an unchanged line up.
Whatever the result, he could then freshen things up for Tuesday’s league clash against Dunfermline at Tannadice.
The manager, meanwhile, has expressed satisfaction with the spirit his players have been showing.
He believes that, as well as their ability, could be a key factor in the months ahead.
“I’ve said since I came that we couldn’t afford any mistakes with signings,” he added.
“All the boys coming in had to have the right character as well as ability and they’ve been showing they have.
“Personality can be as important as ability because there will be difficult situations at times and that’s when you need people to be strong.
“The whole squad is showing they can be. They’re together and want to keep doing well and progressing as the season moves on.”
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