Barry Robson Suspended For 3 Matches

Club captain Barry Robson has been suspended for Dundee United's next 3 SPL ties, after receiving 4 yellow cards and 1 red in the league so far this season and another yellow card in the league cup.

Robson was sent off in the 3-1 victory over Saint Mirren at Love Street in August, after scoring 2 of the goals which gave former manager Craig Brewster his only league win on the season.

However, further cautions against St Johnstone(a -League Cup), Falkirk(a), St Mirren(h), Caley Thistle(h) and more recently in the 2-2 draw with Celtic at Parkhead, mean that Robson will be penalised under the totting up procedure.

He will sit out the trip to Ibrox on the 13th of this month, as well as the trip to Kilmarnock on the 20th and the visit of struggling Dunfermline on the 27th of January.

Although, Robson will still be able to play against Saint Mirren this weekend in the Scottish Cup, because his suspension is only from league matches.

The news will come as a blow to manager Craig Levein, since Barry Robson has been one of Dundee United's best players this season and has been the driving force in many of the club's wins since Levein arrived.

Robson is currently Dundee United's 2nd top goalscorer with 7 goals, just 1 less than top scorer Noel Hunt who is currently out through an ankle injury.

Last month, Levein was comparing Robson to former Hearts captain Steven Pressley, because of his ability and commanding presence on the pitch.

"There are important individuals in our squad, that I hope remain available between now and the end of the season. Barry definitely fits that bill and there is a lot to admire in him as a player and on-field leader," said Levein in his column for the Daily Record.

"He has a great mentality and does not take easily to defeat. He has a physical presence and is strong in the tackle. Furthermore, he is good in the air and has a superb left foot that delivers a wide range of passes and dangerous set-piece."

"Barry only turned 28 last month and is approaching three years in the game that have the potential to be the best of his career. He can follow in the footsteps of Steven Pressley - all the way to the Scotland squad."

"It's important Barry learns from people in the game and Elvis is the perfect role model." I made Elvis captain of Hearts in 2001 and it was the making of him, he blossomed with the responsibility. Barry can follow in his path and that's a challenge he must set himself."

"I want to help him on the path and nurture him to take on the responsibilities and enjoy the rewards he can reap from his talents. I want him to be as big at Tannadice as Elvis was at Hearts, because he and Dundee United will be the main beneficiaries."

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