The Dalys are expecting their first child but the Irishman hopes to still be able to dart away from hospital in Dundee in time to play against the Diamonds.
However, manager Craig Levein will have to wait on news of their progress before selecti
ng his team to contest the Co-operative Insurance Cup tie at Tannadice.
Levein has been impressed by the 25-year-old since he broke back into the side following a long injury absence and he was particularly effective against Aberdeen last weekend.
With Roy O'Donovan and Warren Feeney on the sidelines, United are running low on strikers but the manager will give Daly as much time as he needs.
He said: "I spoke to him before he left and he told me he's desperate to play against Airdrie but it's just going to be a case of waiting to see what happens.
"Jon's had a really difficult time with injury and has never had a run at it so, understandably, he's really keen to keep his place.
"So I'd imagine he'll be hurrying her along a wee bit! Seriously, though, it's a huge thing for him and his wife so we totally understand and will give him time if he needs it."
Levein insists his players will not need any reminders about how potent a force First Division Airdrie can be after their win at Hearts in the last round.
He added: "We don't need any warnings about Airdrie, all we need is to look at the fact they went to Tynecastle and put Hearts out of the competition. That was a fantastic result for them and was thoroughly deserved so we certainly won't underestimate them."
The full article contains 315 words and appears in Edinburgh Evening News newspaper.
