Levein Pleased With Keith Watson

Apart from the final result, the impressive performance from 17-year-old Keith Watson was one of the best things to come out of Tuesday night’s 3-2 win over Saint Mirren.

The Livingston born defender made his first appearance for Dundee United, drafted into Craig Levein’s starting eleven after the manager promised a major re-shuffle in his defence – following the humiliating 5-0 defeat at Ibrox.

Most of the 6ft tall youngster’s involvement in the match was from the touchline, taking 20 out of United’s 38 throw-ins before he was subbed off in the 85th minute.

He even managed to get forward on several occasions, sending some fairly good crosses into the penalty area – including a 59th minute cross which found Jon Daly, but the attacker could only send his header wide Tony Bullock’s right-hand post.

“The laddie has had only 40 minutes’ football in eight or nine months after being out for six months because of a problem with the alignment of a knee cap,” Levein told the Courier.

“He looked nervous for the first 10 minutes and, as you would expect, tired late on but I thought that for the middle part he was really good and he’s one I have high hopes for.”

“He is one who will do well and I was pleased with the way he played.”

Watson was substituted off in the 85th minute for David McCracken and received a standing ovation from the Dundee United supporters for his involvement in the match.