Craig Levein is confident of reaching the CIS Cup final despite losing captain Barry Robson and watching three key players succumb to injury.The Tannadice club lost Robson to Celtic in a £1.25 million deal on Thursday, while top scorer Noel Hunt, Willo Flood and full-back Sean Dillon are all struggling with a variety of knocks.

Levein is hopeful Hunt, who has scored 14 goals this season, will recover from a knee injury but Dillon and Flood may miss out against Aberdeen with ankle problems.

This represents a major role reversal as it was the Dons who had fitness concerns over some of their players last week while United had posted a clean bill of health.

Robson's departure has obviously weakened the Tangerines but despite losing their most influential player, Levein is optimistic about Tuesday's tie.

"That's football isn't it," he laughed.

"Barry has gone and now I've one or two injuries to contend with but that's how it goes.

"There's no point worrying about it. I am fairly philosophical about the situation and confident players we do have are capable of getting us to the final.

"Noel has a knee knock but I'll think he'll be okay.

"Bigger concerns are Sean Dillon and Willo Flood who picked up ankle knocks at the weekend and are both struggling.

"We'll give them until tomorrow afternoon but I think they'll struggle to make it.

"That leaves us a bit short at right-back because if Sean wasn't playing there Willo would."

Levein also hinted he could play Mark de Vries, giving the ex-Hearts player a return to the ground where he excelled.

The Dutchman hit four goals on his home debut for the Jambos in an Edinburgh derby back in 2002 and now that he is gaining more match sharpness after signing from Leicester a fortnight ago his manager may hand him a more prominent role. Levein said:

"The reason Mark hasn't played up to now is because he isn't fit.

"He hasn't played since mid November and is the type of lad who needs to be training and playing constantly.

"That's why I have resisted the temptation to throw him in.

"He has done okay in the cameo appearances he has made though and is itching to play.

"And while two weeks ago I wouldn't have started him it wouldn't frighten me to do that now."

United are without Danny Swanson and Danny Grainger, who are cup tied, and will give late fitness tests to Hunt, Flood and Dillon.

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