By Ian Roache

LEE WILKIE admits he needs to get rid of his self-doubt as he prepares to return to first-team duty after a 10-month absence.

The big Dundee defender is reaching the end of his second tortuous trip back from knee ligament surgery and could even play a part tonight when the Dark Blues take on Queen of the South at Palmerston.

Manager Alan Kernaghan confirmed Wilkie is “in the reckoning” for the match and has been listed in the squad.

It will be a momentous occasion for the player when he does get the call. But, as honest as ever, he revealed that he fears his nightmare occurring all over gain.

“I would say I am less confident than I was last time I came back just because it is the second time around,” he conceded.

“The last time I had no fear because, as far as I was concerned, it was totally sorted and the injury was not going to happen again.

“Unfortunately it did happen again and now it’s in the back of my mind that it could go.

“I am wary because if it did go for a third time I would have to sit down and seriously consider whether I could go through another operation and the rehabilitation again.

“So there is doubt but I know it is going to go away—it will maybe just take longer than before.”

The surgery was carried out by Colorado-based expert Dr Richard Steadman, whose laid-back approach to the procedure offered Wilkie some consolation.

“As far as he was concerned it was a straightforward operation,” added Wilkie.

“What was different from the last time I had it done was that it was a transplant instead of a graft from my own body.

“But he does hundreds of those ops. There are lots of skiers who need it done and in the winter season there are 20 people a day coming off the slopes with knee problems.

“Over here it’s an unusual one but it’s common in Colorado.”

It would be difficult for anyone who has been absent from their job for so long to pick up where they left off.

Wilkie is no different and he admits to being frustrated by it all.

“I have been a bit unfortunate in that I have not had reserve games, so really I have managed only 90 minutes against Montrose in a bounce game,” he said.

“I didn’t play well but at least I got through it and it was nice to hear my name being listed in the team.

“After 10 months out my touch is not good, and there is timing for jumps and a few other things.

“So I have plenty to work on before I am happy with myself.

“I could have been back earlier but there has been no point rushing it and maybe another couple of months’ rehab has done me good.”

While the Dark Blues are on league business tonight in Dumfries, it is hard to ignore their Scottish Cup exploits (see report on right).

And Wilkie, who suffered Hampden heartbreak back in 2003 when he missed the final against Rangers because of suspension, has watched the club’s run to the quarter-finals with growing excitement.

“It has been amazing and has given everyone something to look forward to,” he said.

“It has been such a disappointing season as we have struggled in the league almost since day one.

“So there have not been many things for the fans to get excited about.

“Now that we have a chance to reach the semis and get to Hampden we have to take it.

“It would be great for me but I shouldn’t be thinking about that too much—I still have to get back playing again.”

The Dens men had concerns over Callum Macdonald, who hurt a hamstring at Hamilton on Saturday, but he trained yesterday and should be available.

Goalkeeper Kelvin Jack (knee) is a doubt but Garry Brady, who missed training because of an ankle problem, should make it. Colin Marshall is available but a shoulder injury has ruled out Steven Robb.

Queens manager Ian McCall, meanwhile, was being complimentary towards Dundee ahead of tonight’s meeting.

The former Dundee United boss never won a city derby during his time at Tannadice but masterminded a victory at Dens earlier this month.

He said, “I see them as the dark horses next season as their young players will be a year older and they also have experienced players to help them.

“We know it will be a difficult game but we are aiming for a repeat of the win we had over them just a few weeks ago.

“Our target remains to get out of the bottom two and end up in eighth place in the table.”

The Doonhamers are expected to welcome defender Shaun Dillon back after injury.

With the possibility of snow and low temperatures hitting Scotland today, Dundee have asked Queens to give their pitch a final check by 4 pm at the latest if there is any doubt over the game.