Craig Levein expressed his relief that Dundee United were still in the Scottish Cup after a dismal 0-0 fifth-round draw against St Mirren.The Tannadice side put on a poor show at Love Street but managed to escape with a goalless draw and a replay which will now decide who goes through to the last eight.

St Mirren created several clear-cut chances and could easily have won the tie by a couple of goals but for some inspired goalkeeping by Lukasz Zaluska.

Levein admitted: "I am happy to still be in the cup. We were not great at all.

"Having an off day and still coming away from home to another SPL side in a cup tie and getting a replay, I've got to be happy.

"I know our goalkeeper made a few good saves but we were not under severe pressure. It was just a few isolated chances."

The Arabs boss accepted that the absence of Barry Robson for the first time since his move to Celtic left a gap in his midfield.

He added: "It's an obvious one. The last time we were here the midfield dictated the game and so did he. Who's to say he would not have made a difference today.

"Today we had three midfielders who just didn't pass the ball anywhere near as well as they normally do.

"Craig Conway didn't get into the game, neither did Willo Flood and Morgaro Gomis.

"We couldn't even get the five or 10-yard passes right.

"It wasn't until the arrival of Danny Swanson later that we looked as if we had the craft to open them up.

"But I have got to be happy with the effort and the work. And we've got to take St Mirren back to Tannadice."

Rival manager Gus MacPherson was the less satisfied with the replay, scheduled for February 12, after seeing his side blow a string of fine opportunities.

Recent signing Andy Dorman, Craig Dargo and Mark Corcoran had the best of the opportunities which should have put the Saints through.

MacPherson said: "Our goalkeeper has not had a save to make the whole 90 minutes. It was probably his quietest afternoon of the season.

"To play that well against a team like Dundee United was pleasing. But ultimately we were frustrated that we could not get the win.

"The last game between the teams there wasn't much between us in the first half especially. It was a pretty dull game without many chances.

"But it was a different story today. We have created half a dozen chances and not taken them. That's what the cup is all about

- taking those chances."

The St Mirren manager also accepted his team had a more creative look about them since the turn of the year.

He added: "Look at the players we have out there. Corcoran is playing with a bit of confidence and both Dargo and Mehmet have struck up a partnership already.

"But I think the real find is Andy Dorman in the middle of the park.

"His driving run and the timing of them is something I think we have been missing."

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