Dundee United boss Craig Levein admits he is delighted with Mihael Kovacevic's form even though he has been playing in an unfamiliar position.The 19-year-old Swiss defender immediately caught the eye when he was drafted into the team against Celtic at Parkhead earlier this month and his performance won him the jersey against Rangers in the CIS Insurance Cup four days later.

Kovacevic, a bargain buy from Slovenian side FC Koper, replaced Sean Dillon at right-back and has grown into the role even though Levein signed him as a promising centre-half.

The United boss plans to keep the youngster at full-back for the time being and he will face Hearts on Saturday, but he revealed a move back into the centre is the long-term plan.

Levein said: "I didn't really know what to expect from Mihael but I'm very pleased with him so far.

"I brought him in on a recommendation from someone I know in that part of the world and as soon as he arrived I could see potential there.

"He's played three very important games and done really well - even though he's a centre-half and not a full-back.

"Although he's got a lot of the attributes I think a full-back requires, like being dogged, quick, strong and good on the ball, I see his long-term future back in the middle of defence.

"I've got good competition in that full-back position because Sean Dillon is there too and waiting to come back in."

Levein brought Kovacevic to the club after being tipped off by a friend in eastern Europe and hopes that his contact will be able to unearth more gems for him.

The United boss has achieved great success by bringing in low-cost players such as Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben so intends to continue bargain hunting.

He revealed: "I've got a good contact over there who every now and then sends a player my way.

"We're hoping to get more and if he can find other players of that age and ability then we'll pay the small fee it takes to bring them here.

"Mihael was playing in Slovenian football but he'd been in Croatia beforehand so his route here was pretty unorthodox.

"His club were struggling for money and the way it came about is that we were told that if we paid the money now we'd get him.

"It pays to have contacts in as many places as you can and hopefully more of them will bear fruit."

Danny Swanson, another low-cost signing from Berwick Rangers, lit up United's game against Motherwell last weekend with a stunning goal after coming on as a substitute.

Despite Swanson's heroics, Levein still intends to use the slightly-built midfielder sparingly until he bulks up.

The United boss said: "So far Danny has had more effect coming on in games rather than starting because he gets more time on the ball.

"At this moment in time I'm more inclined to use him coming off the bench, when the tackles have stopped flying in and the energy levels are down so he can give us a spark.

"I'm not saying that he won't start a game before long, but as things stand I reckon he's doing well coming on as a sub."

United have a clean bill of health for their trip to Tynecastle, save for long-term crocks Keith Watson and Steven Robb.

Levein said: "Everyone is okay apart from Keith Watson and Steven Robb so we've got a strong squad to head down there with."

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