Dundee manager James McPake does not think the virus that has hit Inverness Caley Thistle will have an impact on their match.
The Dark Blues head to the Highlands tomorrow for a crucial third versus fourth encounter with ICT, who have been laid low by illness.
Boss John Robertson and his assistant Scott Kellacher both missed their side’s Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup penalty shootout win over Clyde last Saturday because of the bug.
However, McPake is continuing to plan for the Championship clash as if every player will be available for the opposition.
The Dens gaffer said: “I was unaware of that until today and obviously I’m not sure how serious it actually is.
“But it’s irrelevant.
“You hear about this and then you go up and find that the team comes flying out the blocks, and they look all right after all.
“We are not looking into it at all.
“It is all about us and what we do.
“It is always a tough game up there because they are a decent side.
“We have already had two real tough games against them at Dens this season (a 1-0 win in the Betfred Cup 1-0 in July and goalless draw in the league in August).
“I thought we were much better as a team in the Betfred game here.
“Then, in the league match that followed, I thought they edged it and were the better side in that 0-0 draw.”
McPake stressed that it is difficult to tell which ICT team will show up.
He added: “On the two occasions they have been here this season, two different Inverness teams have turned up.
“They were very direct the first time and then the next time they came here and got the ball down and played.
“So they have a lot of tools which can cause teams problems.
“But it’s down to us to do what we’re capable of and hopefully we can go up there and get a positive result.”
Dundee continue to get players fit and available, with Jamie Ness, Jordan Marshall and Josh Meekings all ready if required against ICT.
McPake said: “We have a full squad barring the goalkeeper (Jack Hamilton), which is an illness opposed to an injury.
“So that is good and we are as strong as we can be.
“Having all the lads back to fitness, it gives me some good decisions to make.”
The Dark Blues may be going into the match on the back of a disappointing derby defeat to league leaders Dundee United but they should be encouraged by some excellent away form.
McPake said: “Our last two away games have brought good results against Ayr United and Alloa.
“Inverness falls into exactly the same category as another tough away game and I think teams know what they’re going to get up there.
“You need to roll the sleeves up and get into the game first and foremost.”
Meanwhile, Dundee are continuing their partnership with SSAFA (the Armed Forces charity) and the Black Watch Association.
This connection will be represented by the team’s red third kit for this season.
The shirt includes a special Black Watch badge, imprints of servicemen on the front and the Black Watch Castle in Perth on the lower back.
The Latin motto Nemo Me Impune Lacessit (No One Provokes Me With Impunity) is also displayed at the top of the back of the shirt.
SSAFA is the United Kingdom’s oldest military charity, which provides lifelong support those currently serving, veterans and their families at the time of need.
It provides financial, practical and emotional support to the Armed Forces community through its network of volunteers across the UK, including the Dundee and Angus SSAFA branch.
Dundee will wear the kit for the first time against Ayr United at Dens on January 11.
