Barry Bannan has returned from international duty in superb fashion, according to his head coach Carlos Carvalhal.
The 27-year-old has been away with Scotland over the recent break and came on from the bench in the 1-1 draw with Canada at Easter Road last week.
But Carlos says the midfield man has returned with full energy and enjoyed a terrific few days on the training ground.
“Barry has come back very strong this week,” he explained. “He was involved in the national team but just played in the first game last week.
“He didn’t play this week and has come back very strong.
“He’s come back the real Barry Bannan again. He has given us very good signals this week.
“We need him with full energy to this part of the season. You know in football the midfield is very important because it is the brain of the team.
“It’s the midfield that can put the rhythm more high or more down. It’s very positive for us that Barry Bannan has come back with full energy, very positive and we hope that he can play on Saturday with the same levels he has trained this week.
“A very high standard.”