Dundee United boss Craig Levein praised Andy Webster after the defender turned in a star performance in the 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday despite being under the weather.
In an entertaining and open game, Tannadice striker Damian Casalinuovo put the Taysiders ahead from the spot in the 21st minute after Killie left-back Garry Hay had tripped Jennison Myrie-Williams inside the box.
The Argentinian grabbed his second in the 57th minute when the impressive Myrie-Williams, who caused the Ayrshire side no end of trouble with his pace and power, appeared to slice his shot which fell kindly for Casalinuovo to knock in from close range.
However, Killie posed plenty of threat and Webster, on loan from Rangers, worked hard to contain burly striker Kevin Kyle, with a little help from fellow defender Garry Kenneth and keeper Nicky Weaver, who also had an outstanding game.
Levein revealed that Webster almost did not make the game.
"Andy Webster actually wasn't going to play," the Tannadice boss said.
"He still has this flu thing so it was huge credit to him.
"It was touch and go, he was going to do the warm-up and see how he felt and I was prepared to leave him out.
"But we decided he would start the game and see how he got on.
"So his performance was even better considering he wasn't feeling well.
"But I thought it was a good team performance and I could go through all the names.
"The team excelled as a whole."
