Levein: Dundee Utd Cant Play 4-4-2

Craig Levein wanted to play Noel Hunt & Jon Daly as Dundee United's main strike-force against Caley Thistle last weekend, but Noel Hunt's lack of match fitness prevented that from happening.

It might be next season before Dundee United supporters get to see the pair playing upfront together, but Levein has admitted his plan is to turn them into a successful goal-scoring partnership.

Noel Hunt is still struggling with an ankle injury that he picked up against Motherwell in December, which is why the 24-year-old forward has been playing off the bench in United's last couple of matches.

Jon Daly was signed from Hartlepool during the January transfer window, but has yet to open his scoring account for United after playing in 5 of Levein's starting line-ups.

"Jon Daly will be a big player for us in the future as will Noel Hunt, and it is my intention to pair them, but at the moment we just don't have the right balance to play a 4-4-2," admitted Levein.

"I've always played a 4-4-2 and that's what I plan to do in the long-term, but it's difficult to come in to a club and introduce a system straight away. I've tried it four times now and, to be honest, my fears were proved right."

"The team can't depend on a pairing, it's got to be about the unit as a whole and we don't have a natural midfield four at the moment."

"We've got good wingers but if you play with two wingers you'll get annihilated. Even if you play with one you need a wide midfield player who knows the position, knows when to go narrow and when not to."

"That's something I'm going to work hard on in pre-season, both with the players we've got and hopefully with one or two I can bring in. As with everything it takes time to get a team out there doing exactly what you want it to."

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.