| Swanson has been enjoying his best run of starts since joining from Berwick Rangers two years ago and looks a cert for the side that faces struggling Aberdeen at Pittodrie tomorrow.
That, he feels, is because he has learned to do his work in both directions.
“When the manager brought me back into the team, something he picked up on was my defensive work. He told me I had to concentrate on those duties and that’s what I’ve been doing,” said Danny.
“I’m still doing the stuff going forward, but I know I cannot forget the other side of the game and I think that’s what’s helped me keep my place.”
Against a Dons side who have not won since January, defending might seem something Swanson won’t have to do too much of, but the 23-year-old does not see things that way.
“Aberdeen have been struggling, but they’ve still got players who can hurt teams and, whoever you are up against, you have to be aware of their threat.
“We will be and we’ll be looking to handle them and the pitch because the surface at Pittodrie has not been too great this season.”
This New Firm derby sees the start of a run of four big games in under a fortnight that provide the chance for United to reach the Scottish Cup semis and put themselves well ahead in the race for third place in the league.
After tomorrow, Rangers come to Tannadice on Wednesday in the cup and the following seven days see fourth-placed Motherwell and Hibs, who lie fifth, faced.
He is not looking any further forward than Pittodrie, but Swanson admits the bigger the games the more he enjoys his work.
“I’ve been lucky that, since I’ve come here, we have always been chasing a European place in the league and usually trying to get to semis and finals in cups.
“I love it. I’d hate to be in a situation that, once we reach the split, we’d have a run of games where there was nothing to play for. To me, that’s just boredom.”
While stressing he will always consider Swanson an attacking player, Peter Houston has been satisfied with his defensive work.
“We did have a chat about it when I took over. He’s paid heed to what I’ve said and I’ve complimented him on that,” said the manager.
“As a team, we do like to attack, but it is important we all work back when necessary and he’s been doing that.”
Tomorrow will see Andy Webster back in defence after missing the Rangers cup-tie because of the terms of his loan, while David Goodwillie returns from illness.
Several members of the youths have gone down with the same stomach bug as he had and, as a result, the whole U/19 squad has been ordered to stay away from training.
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