Levein proud to see Berra and Driver progress

Levein, who has developed a reputation as one of the shrewdest judges of young talent in the game, believes Berra has benefited from playing alongside the likes of Steven Pressley in the past and has proved an excellent captain. He said: "I signed Christophe Berra for Hearts at the same time as Andy Driver, not long before I left.

"They were just young boys back then but I know them well. They are both doing fantastically well and have improved a lot over the last couple of years.

"I see Christophe becoming a really top-class defender; he's learning about the game all the time and has really come on. He's benefited from having guys like Steven Pressley at the club in the past because he will have picked up loads from those experienced guys.

"He's captain of Hearts and is in the Scotland squad at a young age so well done to him.

"I'm pleased to see him progress the way he has – although I'm hoping he isn't at his best this weekend."

United have recorded high-scoring victories at Tynecastle in recent seasons. But while Levein is confident his team can emerge from Edinburgh with another win today, he is quick to point out that Hearts are a different proposition these days.

He said: "For me, Hearts are the form team in the league at the moment.

"We have been going well but our record is not as good as theirs over the last six matches.

"Although we won at Tannadice earlier in the season and have a good record against them there, I don't think that counts for anything.

"They are a different team now; they are going great guns under their new manager and have picked up the habit of winning games again."

Taken from the Scotsman