Craig Levein, the Dundee United manager, has backed Scott Robertson to follow in his own footsteps and use this week�s match against Argentina as the springboard to a successful international career.

Craig Levein, the Dundee United manager, has backed Scott Robertson to follow in his own footsteps and use this week's match against Argentina as the springboard to a successful international career.

The United midfielder was drafted into George Burley's squad following a spate of withdrawals, to cap a remarkable few months for a player who was in the first division with Dundee only last season.

Levein, who made his own Scotland debut against the South Americans in 1990, believes his young protege has the ability to shine on the highest stage, but revealed the player himself - possibly the bargain of the season, given that he was a free transfer - thought United's assistant manager, Peter Houston, was playing a prank when he broke the news of his call-up.

Levein said: "I'm thrilled for Scott. When Peter phoned him to tell him the news, he thought it was a wind-up.

He's really excited about it, and so he should be because there's no doubt in my mind he's got the ability.

"I've worked with a lot of the guys in the squad and I know what's required to play at international level, and he's got what it takes. We don't know if he's going to play yet, but if he gets on the pitch against Argentina, he won't let himself or the country down."

Robertson's rise to stardom has been meteoric and Levein believes the fact that the 23-year-old's move from Dundee was to their neighbours and not another city has been key to his development.

"It has all happened very quick for Scott, but he's been so consistent and has improved enormously in the few months he's been here," Levein said. "To get a call-up so soon is a great credit to him, and everyone at Tannadice is really pleased.

"He won't be fazed by it and because of his age he'll cope no problem. He's young, but he's not a kid. He's 23 and that's a good age. Scott's a level-headed boy and being a local lad is what has helped him settle in so quickly here.

"He's not had to move house, so the whole thing has been very comfortable for him. That's allowed him to focus totally on his football and is why he's kicked on so much in a short space of time."

Levein made his Scotland debut in the 1-0 win over the then World Cup holders, courtesy of a goal by Stewart McKimmie. Levein had been in the squad four years earlier, but then suffered the first of a series of injuries which hampered his career. He ended with 16 caps, including an appearance at the 1990 World Cup, but was robbed of the opportunity to face Maradona, who pulled out injured days before that game at Hampden.

Levein joked: "I think he pulled out because he heard I was playing. I'd been in squads before and went to Israel in 1986, but I picked up an injury and that kept me out for a few years. I was 21 when I first got the call, but it wasn't until I was 25 I got my first cap.

"To represent your country is a great honour and privilege.

I loved my time playing for Scotland and I'm sure Scott will savour every minute of this week."