Dundee United are hopeful of having right-back Keith Watson available for their Europa League campaign.
Watson is recovering from hernia surgery, but plans to be fit in time to take the field on July 14, the date of the Tangerines’ second qualifying-round first-leg tie.
“Keith is fine, and we are happy with the progress he has made since the operation,” said United assistant manager Gary Kirk.
“It was one of those things where we could have played him in the final game and then got it seen to, but we decided to get it done quickly.
“The medical people have said we caught it before it was too serious, so we are expecting him back on time.”
Although United’s players face an early taste of continental competition, they have no plans to bring forward their return to pre-season training.
They will report back on June 20, the same day as their Euro draw is made in Nyon, Switzerland.
“It wouldn’t be fair to bring the boys back any earlier,” he said. “The players deserve their break, and by coming back on the 20th, they will still have time to be ready for the first game.
“After the draw we might only know it is one of two teams who are playing each other in the first round.
“But if that’s the case, at least we will get the chance to go and watch them in action.”