Webster sits out clash with employers as Kenneth gets chance

Published on Friday 30 October 2009 22:20

ANDY Webster will miss Dundee United's clash with Rangers tomorrow under the terms of his loan move from the Scottish champions.

Garry Kenneth will therefore start alongside Darren Dods at the heart of defence, which could once again be protecting player-coach Steve Banks, with goalkeeper Nicky Weaver still struggling with a thigh strain.

Meanwhile, manager Craig Levein celebrated three years in charge of the club yesterday – and immediately targeted replicating his first win at Tannadice. The former Hearts and Leicester manager replaced Craig Brewster in October 2006 and led his new side to a 2-1 victory over Rangers only days later.

During his three years, Levein has transformed United from perennial relegation battlers to a side with genuine aspirations of splitting the Old Firm. But while they have significantly closed the gap on Rangers and Celtic over the past three seasons, Levein knows Walter Smith's beleaguered side remain dangerous opponents. He said: "It's a coincidence we're playing Rangers three years on and if it's the same result, I'd be delighted. It has been some three years for both clubs. Obviously, we've overhauled things here, but Rangers have also gone through a lot of changes.

"Paul Le Guen was the manager in that first game, but, since then, they've appointed Walter and he gave them a massive lift. They've not had their troubles to seek in recent weeks, but, for me, that makes them dangerous. They are a wounded animal and we all know that when a club like Rangers gets criticised, they come out fighting. With Walter in charge, they have a man with loads of experience who can lead them through this."

Rangers were tipped towards crisis following their 4-1 humiliation by Romanian minnows Unirea Urziceni in the Champions League two weeks ago. News of their deepening financial woes have exacerbated the hurt at Ibrox, but Levein insists they are a better side than the critics suggest.

He said: "Since the European game the other week, they've had a decent result against Hibs and got into the cup semi-final. It's easy to forget that they're still unbeaten in the league, although the amount of draws has cost them points. We only have to look to the final game of last season, when they beat us 3-0 to win the title, to see how dangerous they are."