Scott Fraser will be fit to return to the starting line up as Dundee United try to secure Betfred Cup progression against Dunfermline at Tannadice on Sunday.
And that means Dutchman Nick van der Velden could lead the attack for the first time.
Fraser was kept on the bench for last week’s penalty shoot-out success at Inverness Caley Thistle because of a slight knock.
But he will be OK to play this weekend in the last game before the Championship kicks off next week.
He’s likely to be handed an attacking central midfield role and that would allow gaffer Ray McKinnon to use Van der Velden as his main striker.
The 34-year-old stood in for Fraser in the Highlands and it’s a role he played for much of his career back in Holland.
But since targeting him Ray has said he believes Van der Velden is capable of moving right up top.
“Nick can play slightly deeper and can create chances. He’s shown already he has a great range of passing,” he said.
“We looked at him further forward when he was on trial and he did well.”
And Ray is keen to be able to use as many of his front players in different roles.
“Nick can play a couple of roles and we have Cammy Smith and Tope Obadeyi who can both play wide or central.
“That gives us good options up front.”
Meanwhile, former United boss Mixu Paatelainen has been linked with the vacant post at Fleetwood Town.
The League One outfit are on the look-out for a manager after another former United man, Steven Pressley quit earlier this week.
And it’s understood Mixu’s name is on an initial list of candidates that has been drawn up by the Lancashire club.
He’s kept a low profile since he was sacked by United in the wake of their relegation from the Premiership back in May, though he did do some work for Uefa during the Euros in France.
United have now sold over 4,300 season tickets and with demand still strong they will remain on sale until mid-August.
And tickets for the Championship trip to Dumbarton on August 13 are still on sale from the club shop opposite Tannadice.
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