United fire back over Levein jibe

DUNDEE UNITED have hit back at ‘derogatory and misleading’ claims by Hearts boss Craig Levein that they almost wrecked defender John Souttar’s career. Currently captain of the Premiership leaders, 21-yearold Souttar made his Scotland debut against Belgium before following that up with a strong display in the Nations League qualifier against Albania. But ex-Tannadice manager Levein, who first worked with

Souttar when the defender was 12, insisted this week that the youngster’s former club ‘nearly ruined’ his career by playing him out of position at right-back, left-back and centre midfield. In a strongly worded response, Championship outfit United released a statement saying: ‘Dundee United are very disappointed to read the derogatory and misleading statements attributed to the manager of a fellow Scottish FA member club relating to ex-United player John Souttar. ‘As a club we are rightly proud of our long-standing and widely held reputation for developing young talent. John played top-level football for four seasons having made his debut under Peter Houston at the age of 16 years and 100 days. ‘In total, John played 73 times in Dundee United’s first team and represented his country at all age groups up to and including Under-21s during his time at the club. ‘We are extremely proud that one of our youth academy graduates has progressed into the full Scottish national team and are delighted to have played a significant part in John’s development as a footballer. We wish John well in his future career.’ Former United boss Houston yesterday described Souttar as Scotland’s answer to Manchester City and England star John Stones. And he believes the player could go on to earn Hearts millions in the transfer market. ‘I look at John Souttar and think he is a John Stones type of player,’ said Houston. ‘The higher level you go, the more your centre-halves have to be able to take the ball, pass it and not be frightened to do it. John is one brave enough to take it. ‘If Hearts in a few years were to sell John, they’d make a lot of money. Down south, average players go for tens of millions.’