Dundee United boss Craig Levein is happy to select Barry Robson and Grzegorz Szamotulski against Aberdeen in Tuesday's CIS Cup semi-final.Robson will captain United but then seems destined for a £1.25million switch to Celtic before Thursday's transfer deadline, while Rangers target Szamotulski will return from injury for one last appearance.

The Pole was always scheduled to depart - but fears United could not make it through the January transfer window without receiving an irresistible bid for Robson unfortunately look set to be realised.

As far as Levein is concerned, however, their worth to the side mean they remain automatic selections.

He said: "There still have not been any bids for Barry, but I have not tried to pull the wool over anyone's eyes and I know that can change. He's fine, though, and the most important thing for me is he is keeping his focus.

"In fact, if anything since this speculation started I could argue his form has actually improved - that's how well he has dealt with it. He is the type of player who thrives of pressure, and that is why he is such an important player for us.

"He is looking forward to playing in this one - and if he does the things he has been, not just over the past few weeks but since I came here, I'll be happy."

Szamotulski's situation is slightly different in that even before Walter Smith's interest emerged, it was known he would be leaving - because he did not want to compete for a first-team place with close friend, the fit-again Lukasz Zaluska.

Levein said: "He wants to play, and I know he is the kind of character who will want to finish by giving the fans something special.

"He has had a great time here and been exceptional - and he'll want to leave with the club looking forward to a final."

Levein's selection problems lie elsewhere - trying to work out how to cover for the absence of both his recognised left-backs - Danny Grainger played for Gretna in an earlier round and is cup-tied, while Christian Kalvenes is not fit enough to be considered after being out since before Christmas with a back problem.

That could spell an unexpected debut for Swiss teenager Mihael Kovacevic, signed from Slovenian side FC Koper little more than a week ago.

"With Danny cup-tied, I was hoping for a miracle when Christian trained with us today for the first time in eight weeks - but I didn't get it," Levein lamented.

"He is improving but is nothing like ready for a game. I do have a few options, because there are some versatile players here - and one would be to use Mihael.

"He's a young lad with a great future ahead of him and he would be comfortable in the full-back position, so we are better off than we were when Christian was out before."

Also in the squad are Lee Wilkie, after recovering from the hamstring strain, and Morgaro Gomis - who has had a shin problem.

Much has been made over the past week or so of the continuing health problems of United owner Eddie Thompson as he battles cancer, and Levein hopes to bring his employer some timely success.

"I very much like Eddie Thompson as a chairman and as a guy - and obviously there is an element of wanting to make him happy just now," he said.

"I know how much joy he takes from watching his football team win matches, and we would love to make him proud."

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