United will decide this morning whether to appeal the ordering off of Jim Lauchlan which threatens to rule him out of the derby. "We have until tomorrow to lodge an appeal and will be studying a video recording of the incident, which is on its way to us, before deciding whether to exercise that option," said Tannadice manager Alex Smith yesterday. "The player still insists there was no intentional contact between him and Lee McCulloch and feels quite upset about what happened.

And we are obviously concerned at the consequences of his dismissal because not only is he automatically banned for Saturday, the points he incurred leave him just one booking away from a further suspension." If the Tangerines appeal they must lodge a £500 bond. If the SFA review panel rules against them this could be forfeited, hence their wanting to be sure that video evidence supports Lauchlan’s contention that if there was contact it was accidental.

Skipper Jason de Vos looks set to spend part of his short break- given to him by the club-in his native Canada. De Vos misses the derby through suspension and Smith told him yesterday to finish up training and get himself home.

"Jason was due to go back there on Sunday to prepare for next week’s World Cup qualifier with Mexico in any case, so I’ve suggested he leave early and have a few days at home before preparing for the game," explained the Tangerines boss. "

One way or another he has had a lot to contend with this season and I feel it’s important some good comes of this enforced lay-off." ©The Courier