Dundee United have received a boost ahead of Sunday’s derby with the news that Stuart Armstrong and Ryan Dow could be set for a return from injury.
Tangerines boss Jackie McNamara was already resigned to being without first-choice striker Nadir Ciftci following the 23-year-old’s dismissal last week against Hamilton.
However, he hopes he will be able to call upon the additional firepower of the influential duo.
He said: “Stuart and Dowser both trained on Wednesday so they have an outside chance.
“We will see how they come through today and tomorrow but I am hopeful both would be OK to start.”
When asked if the absence of Ciftci was an opportunity for others to step up, McNamara replied: “Yes, it is. Ideally, you would want everyone fit and a full squad but we will just have to cope without him and look to cause them problems.”
McNamara acknowledged that Dundee will desperate to take United’s scalp and will be confident opponents after what has been an eight-game unbeaten start to the season for Paul Hartley’s side.
McNamara said: “I have seen Dundee a few times this season. They are well organised and have started very well. They are unbeaten and I think we will have to be careful, especially at setpieces.
“They have scored a few goals from them as have we. So it should be an interesting match. He has he has made a lot of changes to his squad over the summer.
“He has brought in SPFL experience in Kevin Thomson, James McPake, Paul McGowan and Gary Harkins.
“They have put a lot into that to try first and foremost to build on getting into the league and then staying there.
“They have added a couple of other ones from the lower leagues so as I said they have started very well.
“So it will be a tough match going there. They will be confident and think they can take a scalp off us.
“It is important we stay calm and play the way we can.”
McNamara admitted there is a lot of stress for a manager in a derby but he is still delighted that the games against their neighbours are back on the agenda again.
He said: “It is brilliant. As much as the pressure is there, with both sets of fans and nobody wants to lose but that’s why we are in football, for these types of games.
“As a footballer, I loved playing in derby matches. I was fortunate to play in a lot of them.
“There is a lot of pressure as a manager as you don’t want to let anyone down. But it’s what you are in it for, the excitement and adrenaline of these matches.”
McNamara will join his players for the traditional short walk from Tannadice to Dens.
He admitted it was something he enjoyed on the only previous occasion he has done it, on March 3, last year when United won 2-1 thanks to goals from Brian McLeana and Gary Mackay-Steven.
He said: “I have only done it once but it was good. I actually enjoyed the walk back down better!
“It is a unique derby experience walking up there. I am sure Paul will feel that coming back down to us on Wednesday.
“It is great for the city and I think it is great for Scottish football.”