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General Sport - 12 April 2007
Football: Blether with Brown > Touchline
 
Robson poser
 

BARRY ROBSON, seen here being sent-off against Celtic, is walking a suspension tightrope between now and the end of the season.

 
Dundee United boss Craig Levein is still in a quandary over whether or not to use Barry Robson between now and the end of the season (writes Graeme Finnan).
The influential Tangerines skipper has missed the last three games due to suspension, but is free to face Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday week.

However, with the former Caley Thistle man one booking away from incurring a further four-game ban, which would kick in at the start of next season, his manager is reluctant to take unnecessary risks.

That could see the 28-year-old put out to grass for the remainder of the campaign, although, given the way the Tangerines performed without their captain in last Saturday’s 4-2 win at Aberdeen, United have shown Robson’s absence needn’t be fatal.

Indeed, should the manager decide not to use Robson, he’ll still expect his men to finish as high up the table as they possibly can.

But, with the SFA expected to confirm that Mark Kerr will miss the next two games due to a ban, Craig may opt to keep Robson involved

“I’ve not decided on how we’ll go with Barry yet, we’ll probably play it game by game,” said Craig.

“But with Mark also likely to be out, we’d be lacking a bit of experience in the middle of the park, because those two have been an integral part of the team this season. He’ll train with us next week and I’ll make a decision nearer the time.

“However, whatever way we go, the most important thing is that we keep the wins coming.”

That could spell bad news for relegation candidates Dunfermline and St Mirren, but, while the United boss sympathises with their plight, he is only focused on his own team

“I know it’s hard for Gus (MacPherson) and Stephen (Kenny), but we can’t afford to think about other managers or other teams.

“I’ve got Dundee United to look after and it’s vital we pick up as many wins as possible between now and the end of the season.”

Competition is key for Dundee boss
Dundee boss Alex Rae today explained his reasons for leaving top-scorer Derek Lyle on the bench in recent weeks (writes Graeme Finnan).
Lyle has been forced to watch from the sidelines as Bob Davidson and loan-signing Dyron Daal have forged a partnership up front, with the latter, in particular, grabbing the headlines with five goals in four appearances.

That has impressed the Dens gaffer and has given him a pleasant headache over who to leave out on match days. It’s a situation he’d like to see throughout the team and is one he is striving to achieve for next season.

“Derek has done great for us this season, but the reason he is out has more to do with the two guys who currently have the jerseys up front,” said Alex.

“Dyron and Bob have been different class and they’ve made it difficult for Derek to force himself back in.

“Ideally, it’s a position we’d like to be in all across the park, because we have definitely been a bit thin on the ground for players at certain periods.

“There have been times when we’ve only had 16 first-team men to work with and that’s not great. I’d prefer to have nearer the 20 mark and that’s what we’ll be looking for next season.”

The manager has been talking to several of his current squad about the prospect of extending their contracts, while the early part of next week could see others informed they are free to leave.

Paul McHale picked up a knee knock at training today and is doubtful for Saturday’s trip to face Partick Thistle.

Saints delight
St Johnstone managing director Stewart Duff is delighted in excess of 5000 fans are making the trip to Hampden on Saturday to support the team in their Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic (writes James Masson).
“Given that the game has a 12.30 kick-off and is live on TV, we’re taking a good support through,” he said.

“We had around 3000 following us in the League Cup semi against Hibs at Tynecastle and they created a great atmosphere — our supporters will do the same on Saturday.”

Saints still have some £18 tickets left and these will be on sale at McDiarmid Park until stocks run out.

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