The Dundee defender's giant gait ensures he will make the short journey from Dens Park to Tannadice in double-quick time this afternoon.

And once he arrives at the home of Dundee United, the 31-year-old is determined to exert a more positive influence than on his derby bow. Fan was dismissed for two bookings - the latter for diving - having arrived on Tayside on the eve of the 1-1 draw with United at Dens in November.

His red card cast a dark cloud over an impressive debut by the former Crystal Palace player, who is bound for this summer's World Cup Finals in the Far East.

But following suspension and duty with his home province of Shanghai, he has exhibited his international-class credentials to Scottish Premier League audiences.

While marshalling back-to-back clean sheets at one end, Fan has also found time to step forward and score winners against Hibernian in the league and Falkirk in the Tennent's Scottish Cup.

Having also scored in defeat at Celtic Park, his propensity to supplement the attack has been a pleasant bonus for his besieged manager Ivano Bonetti.

Fan, though, is not surprised by his scoring exploits - and yesterday revealed he netted 36 goals in two seasons before becoming China's first football export to Britain.

'I used to get a few goals at Crystal Palace from free-kicks and corners and the like,' he said. 'I also scored many more in Chinese football. At that time, I played mainly in the midfield or sometimes just off the front two.

'I remember the years 1995 and 1996 in particular as I netted 36 times in that spell with 18 in each season. 'While it is nice to be scoring for Dundee, it is nothing new to me - but I would like to add to my strike rate when we face Dundee United.

'The last time we played them I was sent off, so I am looking for something positive to take from the match this time. There is nothing more positive in football than scoring a goal.'

Fan, who is battling to be fit for the derby as he fights a flu bug, accorded with the peace plea issued by Bonetti and United manager Alex Smith. After a New Year blighted by boardroom turmoil at one end of Tannadice Street and pavement stramashes at the other, Fan wants everyone to concentrate on the football today.

'There are two teams in the city and I would be sad if there was to be any fire or anger other than simply a passion for the game of football,' he added. 'I know that there have been a few things happening to make the news, but I do hope this game turns out to be a great one for the city.

'I am desperate for Dundee to win this game, but we all must remember it is only a game of football and hope everything calms down.'

Temuri Ketsbaia will miss the match after sustaining an ankle injury at Falkirk in midweek and Kiko Torres faces a late fitness test on an ankle knock. United, meanwhile, will wait until the last minute before deciding whether captain Danny Griffin is ready to return to the team after ligament damage.