Defender Expected To Face Aberdeen

Christian Kalvenes is likely to take his place in the United defence for the 1st match of the new season against Aberdeen this weekend.

30-year-old Kalvenes had surgery on his knee at the end of last season and made his comeback in the friendly against Barcelona last week.

The Norwegian left back made 32 appearances for the United 1st team last season - scoring in the 2-2 draw with Rangers at Ibrox back in August, but also saw red 30minutes into the 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park last December.

Signed by former manager Craig Brewster in August 2006, Kalvenes has established himself as an important part of United`s backline - proven by Levein`s unwillingness to risk him in the 1-0 friendly win over Livingston last Sunday.

"I did not use him at Livingston on Sunday because he got 90 minutes against Barcelona on Thursday and might have been a bit tired," conceded Levein to the Evening Telegraph this week.

"I do think he will be ready for Saturday, though."

Although, Levein still has cover in the shape of Stuart Duff if Kalvenes is unavailable - but more concerning is the loss of central defender Lee Wilkie through suspension.

Wilkie limped out of the 3-0 win over Airdrie after landing awkwardly and then sat out of the following 2-2 friendly against Raith Rovers with fluid on the kneecap.

United will miss Wilkie more, because his commanding presence and ariel ability would have made him a valuable asset in the match against Aberdeen.

Levein admitted he's could play either Garry Kenneth or Sean Dillon in his place, he told the Courier - "I played Garry there on Sunday against Livingston, but I`ve also got the option of playing Sean Dillon in that centre-back role."

"Sean played the majority of his football in Ireland in that position so he`s very comfortable there."

"Garry has done okay in pre-season but can still do better. He`s still young, which some people can tend to forget as he`s been around for a while"

"I haven`t made my mind up but I`m not too worried on that front because I`ve got options."