Paul Dixon will return for Dundee United today — less than a month after being told he could be out for double that time.
The left-back is set to get 45 minutes of the Irn Bru Cup clash with Peterhead at Tannadice.
It will be his first run-out since damaging a knee in the League Cup at Inverness in mid-July.
That led to surgery at the beginning of August but the 29-year-old has recovered at least two weeks earlier than expected.
“Dicker’s been training fine and it looks like he will be OK to play,” said boss Ray McKinnon.
“It’s good to have him back. He brings experience and he was doing well before he got injured.”
Dixon’s involvement will be one of a number of changes to the line-up but, contrary to reports around the time of the draw, the Tangerines will be fielding a strong team.
This week’s big signings Tony Andreu, William Edjenguele and Frank van der Struijk are all included in the squad.
“I have decided on my team but there are people like the new boys I want to see.
“It certainly won’t be the youth team and I don’t know where that came from.”
United will wear their new pink strip for the first time today.
With season tickets not valid for the tie, entry will be pay-at-the-gate and the clubs have agreed prices should be £10 for adults and £5 for juveniles and over 65s.
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