Final reckoning rests on Duffy's decision

The Dundee player-manager, Jim Duffy, faces a dilemma over his own position for the Coca-Cola Cup semi-final with Airdrie at McDiarmid Park tonight. The 36-year-old, who has recovered from a serious knee injury, is to decide this morning whether to pick himself.

Dundee are attempting to reach their first final since meeting neighbours Dundee United in the same competition 15 years ago and Duffy, who played in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Clydebank, said: "I am not sure how I would handle two games in the space of a few days, but at the same time I know there is going to be a lot of pressure out there - and I know I could handle that."

Duffy proved his nerve by stepping forward to score in the penalty shoot- out as Dundee overcame Hearts after their 4-4 quarter-final draw.

As well as deciding on his own place in the side, Duffy faces an anxious wait for weekend casualties Morten Wieghorst and Neil Duffy, the manager's nephew, who both picked up knocks against Clydebank.

Homeless Airdrie, currently ground-sharing with Clyde in Cumbernauld, go into their fifth semi-final in five years with their English striker Steve Cooper admitting Scotland's nomads may have cured his itchy feet. The 31-year-old has been with a string of clubs in a chequered career but admits 12 months with the Diamonds have left him believing he might for once stay put. "I feel really settled here and so are the family," said Cooper, signed from York City a year ago.

Airdrie have a full squad to choose from, with Kenny Black (calf) and Paul Jack (thigh strain) the only slight doubts.