Only Shaun McSkimming is definitely out for the visit to the newly-crowned champions and, while he has a few names on the doubtful list, Jocky does not envisage any selection problems.

"There are one or two with strains and minor knocks, but at the moment it looks like they are all going to recover in time,’’ he said.

After three games last week, the first team were given another day off this week to make sure there are no signs of tiredness come Sunday."

Tickets are also available for the Main Stand at £15 (£5 concession) and a few are also available for the Bobby Cox Stand £13.

Prices are Adult £17 and Juvenile/Senior Citizen £10.

Prices are as normal other than the South Enclosure and Sections F&G of the Main Stand where the reduced admission prices operating for the rest of the season will be maintained at £5 Adult and Concessions £1.

This meets with my approval as the Arabs will be charged full price.

The Dundee chief executive said he had two or three replacement candidates in mind.

Asked about the possibility of former German superstar Bernd Schuster arriving during the summer, Marr said: "Schuster is an individual of some pedigree. I was not going to mention names but we must be interested in people of that calibre.

"We also realise that guys like that do not come cheaply, but we must aim high. Jocky has done a good job in getting us to where we are just now.

Dundee went down as the home form slump continued, and after the game, he said: "I changed the two strikers at the halfway stage, but to be honest there were a few of the players who could have suffered the same fate in what was an afternoon of disappointment."

Draws with Hearts and Celtic and wins over Motherwell and Aberdeen have pulled the Dens men clear of the scrap at the bottom of the table and now the team are on a mission to entertain.

Steven Boyack reckons the final five games will give them the opportunity to show the fans what they're really capable of.

We take on second-bottom Kilmarnock this afternoon looking for only the third home league win of the season.

Boyack said: "To get up the league you can't just rely on a good team spirit and in the next five games we'll be aiming to keep picking up points and play some half-decent football.

"At times during the season we've had to dig in and play five at the back or contain teams and play on the break but now that it looks like we're safe it would be great to play some decent passing football.

"We've got some talented players at the club. Willie Falconer has been excellent all season and in big Rab Douglas we've got one of the best goalkeepers in the country.

"In midfield myself, Gavin Rae and Pat Billio all like to play football and in the few games he's played Franscisco Luna has shown great ability up front.

"Maybe we don't get credit for it but that's something you get used to at Dundee.

"But what we have is a bunch of boys who don't like to be beaten. When we lose nobody walks away thinking we were unlucky. When it happens we're all gutted."

The 23-year-old and his team-mates are anxious to give the fans something to cheer today to make up for their scrappy home form.

Boyack added: "It's great to win and that's the most important thing, but it's nice to do it by playing good football. I know that myself and the midfield players like to play passing football.

"Our home record hasn't been that great anyway so it would be nice to entertain our fans. "

"We've been down at the bottom for most of the season and now that we've come up and put a bit of a run together I hope the supporters can enjoy themselves."

Although the Dark Blues are safe from relegation Boyack feels they've still got plenty to play for.

He said: "We've still to play Dundee United and I think that game will have a big influence on where both sides finish in the league. "

"The derby is never a meaningless game, no matter when you play it. If we can beat teams around us we'll give ourselves every chance of finishing above them. "

"Some of the best games I've played for Dundee came at the tail end of last season when we'd got ourselves safe. It's definitely easier to play when you're up the table a little bit than it is at the bottom. "

"Aberdeen have taken all the stick this season but for a while we weren't too far away from them. "

Boss Jocky Scott has set his sights on emulating last season’s top-five finish-the achieving of that target requiring the leap-frogging of both Hibs and United-and according to Smith the players are right behind him in that and in his hopes for a personal future at the club.

"There are 15 points left to play for and we won’t be easing up," pledged Smith, as he looked ahead to the visit of Kilmarnock today.

"We’ve done well over the past three or four games and we aim to maintain that form and finish as far up the table as possible.

"Once again we have shown our ability to rise to the challenge when confronted by adversity and although as players we have tried not to become involved in the situation surrounding the manager, it is a fact we have a great rapport with him and want that to continue."

"It would be nice to take maximum points from the games we have left here and there is no point in thinking it is beyond us to do just that."

"I think part of the problem we have had at home is that there is a bit of pressure from the fans who understandably want us to do well and in response we feel the need to attack, attack, attack, which isn’t always the best way to go about things."

"But we won our last game here against Motherwell and we want a repeat against Kilmarnock to ensure we are chasing a hat-trick when United come here for the derby in a fortnight’s time.

"They have beaten us three times this season and we will be looking to get something back. With that in mind we would prefer to be going into that match with another home win under our belts."

As reported yesterday the Dark Blues name the same squad as for the midweek victory over the Sheep, with the exception of the suspended James Grady. Gavin Rae is feeling better than he was but is still rated doubtful, while Shaun McSkimming is ruled out.

Manager Scott, looking ahead to the Killie clash, said, "This is an important game for us. If we win then depending on results elsewhere we can jump up the league.

"We have managed to move ourselves closer to the teams above us and if we can keep climbing it will be an interesting end to the season.

The offending item was extremely critical of the Dark Blues’ recent treatment of manager Jocky Scott and that incensed the Dens Park hierarchy, who have formally complained both to Aberdeen and the SPL.

The author of the piece made clear his admiration for the job done by Scott and the recent efforts of his playing staff but went on to attack the board’s behaviour towards their manager, saying, "Quite what the men who own Dundee think they are playing at beggars belief. An endless queue of new faces arriving without having been vetted by the man in charge of football affairs is a nonsense.

"What the current squad, seeing men drafted in who are likely to do them out of a job, must think is anyone’s guess but they deserve enormous credit for the way they have got on with the task in hand.

"I, for one, applaud the manager and his players for their efforts. I hope the board don’t have the sheer affrontery to claim any credit for their achievements."

A Dens spokesman said yesterday, "We can confirm that the club was disappointed with the content of an article that appeared in the Aberdeen programme on Tuesday evening and that we expressed our disappointment over the comments to both the SPL and the Pittodrie board."

It is understood Dons chief executive Gordon Bennett, in responding to a letter from Dens director Jim Connor, apologised for any offence that had been caused.

However, while Aberdeen will, in the match programme for tomorrow’s visit by Motherwell, seek to distance themselves from the content of the article in question by issuing a general disclaimer, they will not be issuing a public apology as such.

"The views expressed in the article were those of a freelance contributor and we will make clear in our next programme that any views expressed by freelance contributors in our programme are not necessarily those of Aberdeen FC," said a spokesman. Whether the SPL choose to step into the row remains to be seen.

WELL DONE - BUT CAN DO BETTER

The under-21 internationalist followed up decent showings against Motherwell and Celtic with a generally first-rate display at Pittodrie. This was acknowledged yesterday by his manager, although Scott also pointed out that the player remains hindered by a casual streak.

"Lee has, for the last three matches, done really well and that has been pleasing to see."

"The experience he has gained this season will have done him the world of good and his emergence shows we must be doing something right here if we can bring youngsters through and play them in a league which, because of its competitiveness and fear-ridden environment, isn’t really suited to kids. However, for as good as his performance against Aberdeen was, Lee still suffered from lapses in concentration and he has to get that out of his game."

McSKIMMING OUT

"A scan has shown that the injury to his Achilles tendon is not as bad as he thought it was but it will still be a wee while before Shaun can return," revealed Scott.

"Shaun heard a popping sound against Celtic and feared he had severed the tendon but it turns out the damage isn’t as severe as that and a combination of rest and treatment should provide a cure."

RAE DOUBTFUL

The player has been suffering with a back strain, and according to manager Jocky Scott, will not be rushed back into the side unless he has fully recovered.

Freeserve and the SPL have agreed the terms to allow gambling on SPL clubs over the internet, and we understand that deal amounts to a whopping £1million, to be shared equally between the SPL clubs, meaning around £100,000 each - less a commission to the SPL offices.

But another more sinister agreement will be reached in a couple of years when the current television deals are over.

At present, the SPL get £50 million, which, according to Roger Mitchell, will be doubled next time around. But the Old Firm want to negotiate their own pay-per-view rights, which could dilute any other deal.

That could happen should Dundee cause an upset at Parkhead today and Rangers win at Tannadice, results that would certainly see the Dundee fans in double celebration mood.

Scott said: "The two games at the weekend may certainly be the focus of attention for the rest of the country. But the matches which matter to us are the two coming up immediately after we have been to Parkhead. They are against the teams down at the bottom alongside us and that presents us with a great opportunity to put ourselves clear of any play-off situation which may develop."

The former Hibs defender has been missing for the past few days, and is such a key player for Jocky Scott's side that the manager has been keeping a daily check on his progress.

He had been told by the club medics not to return to Dens until it had totally cleared up, such was the fear he could infect the rest of the squad.

The manager said: "I would be delighted to see the player back here as soon as possible. You have to be realistic about things and if a player isn't involved a couple of days before a game then he is going to be doubtful."

The player, who was signed from Oxford United in November of last year, was sent-of for two bookable offences in the match at Easter Road in the under-21's, brought the wrath of Scott down upon him.

Scott said: "It was just sheer stupidity on the part of the player to get himself involved like this once again.

"He arrived here short of match fitness and we have been working on that in the hope he would be able to play a part for the first team before the end of the season.

Jocky Scott now has to decide whether to recall him for the trip to Parkhead on Saturday, where he's without suspended strikers James Grady and Willie Falconer.

That emerged yesterday after Scott and the Dark Blues directors responsible for bringing Barry Elliot, Martin Prest and Chris Coyne to Dens caught their first sight of the trio in the under-21 defeat by Hearts.

"It would be wrong to judge these players on the evidence of one game," said Scott, "They’ll need a few matches before I can form an opinion as to their abilities.

"Fortunately all three are eligible for the under 21s and we have seven or eight games at that level remaining this season which means they’ll have the opportunity to show their capabilities."

Elliot, Prest and Coyne will next figure against Hibs at Easter Road on Monday and then Aberdeen (h) on Thursday.

An immediate diet of under 21 action is also on the menu for comeback striker Nicky Banger.

"What the game against Hearts showed in Nicky’s case was that we’ll have to persevere with him in training and build him back up gradually," said Scott.

FANS PLEA FOR PEACE

He thinks the manager and directors should have it sorted out sooner, and added: "Speaking personally I can see both points of view. The club feeling they want to review things at the end of the season is understandable. People accept when a manager is at the end of his contract, the club has the right to look at this. But I think you have to show respect to the manager and perhaps this issue should have been handled better." He also welcomed the new signings.

3 AMIGOS IN SQUAD

Scott backed his players to leave behind them the row that has engulfed the club for the past week when they take the field against Well.

"They realise the situation that’s there at the moment but they are getting on with their job which is, as mine is, to ensure we pick up as many points as possible," he said.

"But it won’t be an easy game against Motherwell in spite of their losing 4-0 to Celtic last night. Let’s face it, they are hardly the first team to have a bad result at Parkhead and they do boast a good away record."

Meanwhile, the three Danish players who were due at Dens this week won’t now arrive until the middle of next week when they are expected to look round the club and the city of Dundee with a view to signing for next season.

Speculation has been rife that the club were planning to axe Scott and went behind his back to bring in a clutch of foreign stars.

Board member Jim Connor admitted that the Dundee hierarchy had brought in the players without Scott's knowledge - leading to accusations that they were undermining the manager.

But in a statement the club have assured Scott that he will be staying until the end of the season and will see out his contract which runs out on July 9 - although they insist they have no intention of bringing Steve Archibald in as a replacement. However, the club failed to clear up the uncertainty and deny that Scott would be replaced by a new manager in the summer.

The statement said: "Steve Archibald is not a candidate for the post of manager, nor will he be considerable as one in the future.

"Jocky Scott will remain manager of Dundee Football Club for the rest of the season and at least until July 9 2000 when his present contract with the club expires.

"As the club has indicated on several previous occasions, no decision has yet been taken regarding the manager's post for season 2000/2001. Nor will one be taken until the board has fulfilled its responsibilities to give full and proper consideration to all possible options.

"It is important to stress that the board is retaining a very open mind on these options.

"The board will give the matter its full attention in the days and weeks ahead and is anxious to resolve this matter and put an end to speculation."

"The board has a legal duty to act in what it believes to be the best interests of Dundee Football Club at all times.

"This includes fulfilling its contractual obligations and giving due weight and consideration to all possible options.

"The board will not be rushed into making a decision on these matters nor will it be influenced by media speculation or comment.

"The board has today re-iterated its position in discussions with Jocky Scott and Jimmy Bone and offered them assurances that they will be the first to be informed immediately after a decision has been reached.

"Although these contracts do not expire until July 9 2000 the board has agreed with them an earlier date by which a decision will be reached."

The Dundee board have also encouraged the out-of-contract players at the club to come forward to discuss new deals.

The statement added: "The board also met with club captain Barry Smith to reiterate its position regarding players out of contract and has offered to meet with individual players as requested.

"The board is grateful for the frank and open way in which these discussions have been conducted by Jocky and Barry.

"The board expects Jocky Scott will continue to discharge his responsibilities as manager to the best of his considerable abilities for the remainder of his current contract.

The under-pressure boss must surely now be resigning himself to not having his contract renewed in the summer following this latest revelation as Peter Marr the chief executive arrived back on Tayside last night.

He refused to make any comment about the situation at the moment, but is expected to have something to say later this week.

Just who the new trialists are remain unclear, and to who's advice was sought also remains open to debate, but clearly the influence of Steve Archibald appears to be growing amidst speculation he's lining up the players for him to manage next season, something he has consistently denied.

He became the club's sixth signing as the mystery as to who will replace Scott next season continues.

He said: "It's very uncomfortable for me to go abroad and find a manager who doesn't speak to me.
Normally when you join a new club the manager sits down with you and has a proper chat, but that hasn't happened here at all.
I have read in the papers about all the speculation about his position and I understand that he doesn't feel happy about the directors bringing in players without his authority.
But it's not my problem. I'm caught in the middle of the situation. All I know is he doesn't talk to me."

The Marr's seem to be in the process of getting rid of Jocky and the Press have linked Steve Archibald to the job, however Schuster is the real managerial target with Archibald rumoured to be buying into the club.

The towering 19-year-old centre back has been watched three times by the Premiership outfit.

"All the boys are in today and we are going out training, that’s about it," said Jocky.

This afternoon, a spokesman for Dundee owner Peter Marr made it clear there would be no statement on the manager’s future today.

Mr Marr was in a series of meetings, not all football-related, and these would take up his entire day.

There is a possibility that he will break his silence on Jocky Scott’s future at some point tomorrow, although the spokesman could not guarantee that.

Over the weekend, pressure has been mounting on the Dundee board to clarify their position regarding Jocky and whether or not he will be offered a new contract when his current deal expires in the summer.

That such clarification would see the club confirming a parting of the ways seemed even more likely after German Berndt Schuster confirmed his interest in becoming manager to a national newspaper.

The former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid star is quoted as saying he is expecting a call from his old friend Steve Archibald to offer him Jocky’s job and that he would accept when that call came.

For his part, Jocky admitted he was aware of the story, but declined to comment.

What he was willing to do was rubbish any suggestion he was refusing to use the players signed by the board without his knowledge and with the help of Archibald in recent weeks.

Against Hearts on Saturday only one of the six board signings, Javier Artero, was used - and he only came on for the last 20 minutes. There were, however, good reasons for that.

"I used Artero from the start against Hibs last week, but he got injured and had only had a couple of days training since. With Patrizio Billio coming in to play after not having much training either, I didn’t think I could take the chance with him.

"As for the boys (Martin Prest, Barry Elliot and Chris Coyne) who were signed on Friday, it would be irresponsible of me to use players who I haven’t seen. Before I use them I need to know they can handle the situation.

"Once I have seen them, if I think they can do a job they will play - it is as simple as that."