Defender David Worrell was dealt a blow on Thursday when it emerged he will require a knee operation that will sideline hom for up to six weeks. The Irish under-21 international will therefore miss next week's three game trip that will see the Tangerines based in his home city of Dublin.
He has been troubled by a knee problem for some months now and while it was first thought rest would provide the cure, a further visit to see a specialist this week confirmed he would need surgery.
"It's bad new for David, but the one plus is that he should be back in six weeks," says boss Paul Sturrock. "Last season Darren Patterson went through the same kind of op. and was out for 12 weeks, but we are told David should be back in half that time."
While Worrell won't be on the plane to Dublin on Monday, Grant Johnson will. The former Tangerines midfielder continues to impress the coaching staff during his trial and will get game next week as he tries to earn a second spell at Tannadice.