Ian McCall, the Dundee United manager, has told David McCracken to take advantage of the club's defensive worries by staking a claim for regular inclusion, starting with today's game

at Hearts.

McCall has stepped up his search for a commanding defender having failed to land Marvin Andrews from Livingston. To make matters worse, Scott Paterson will be sidelined for several weeks due to an injury.

Now McCall has called upon fringe player McCracken to establish himself, having spent several seasons in and around the top squad with United. ''I hope David sees this situation as a boost, a chance to stake his claim for the jersey,'' said the manager. ''He is a good lad and has the attributes required, I just hope he can rise to the challenge.''

The 21 year-old McCracken admits that despite the defeat, his under-21 international experiences in Norway have boosted his confidence. ''Having been involved in several under-21 squads, it was great to take part and that can only be of benefit,'' he said.