Levein Doesn't Know How To Settle Score

Mar 16 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

CRAIG LEVEIN has been trying for years to work out how to stop Rangers battering his team to death.

But for the first time in his career the Dundee United manager will send his side out with one aim today - to break down Walter Smith's side.

He believes Gers are the polar opposite of what they were under Paul Le Guen and feels their biggest weakness last season - defending - is now their main strength. With Daniel Cousin, Nacho Novo, Charlie Adam and Steven Naismith all out of today's CIS Cup Final, Levein insists United's biggest task will be breaching Gers' mean backline.

And after watching seven DVDs of Smith's men in action this week, including the UEFA Cup win over Werder Bremen, he knows just how difficult it will be.

The Arabs gaffer said: "If you look at what was wrong with the team before Walter arrived it's now their biggest strength.

"Their defence has been turned round completely. They still have flair players but their main asset is being so hard to break down. My thoughts are all about how to beat Rangers this time.

"It's not about how to stop them beating us - and that's a huge compliment to Walter.

"If Bremen can't find a away through it will be a real challenge for us. I watched the game with my Bremen scarf on praying for extra-time, a downpour and a heavy pitch!

"But seriously, that's what all my time has been consumed with - how we can score."

For United supporters today's showpiece will rekindle memories of regular Hampden visits under legendary boss Jim McLean.

With the Old Firm's dominance in Scottish football many believe those days can never return and Levein said: "The biggest problem non-Old Firm teams have is keeping their best players. In the 80s Aberdeen and United held on to their top stars and that's why they did well.

"I'd love to say we'll get to regular finals because I have the chance to build a team.

"But you need to continue finding good players and keeping them. If I have a guy who scores a double in the final someone will knock my door asking if he's for sale."

Levein could never have envisaged how far his side have come in 16 months. Signings such as Darren Dods, Lee Wilkie and Morgaro Gomis have been masterstrokes but modest Craig said: "I don't know if we're ahead of schedule - I didn't have one. We've had a good season but I've been lucky.

"Boys like Gomis and Prince Buaben have made instant impacts which I didn't expect.

"Also, Wilkie's injury hasn't resurfaced and Grzegorz Szamotulski was excellent when Lukasz Zaluska got injured. But the lads have done well and deserve real credit."