Houston backs Goodwillie

Goodwillie struck an 89th-minute winner as United claimed a 3-2 victory at Ibrox on April 2, his goal on the counter attack a blow to Walter Smith's ambition of finishing his final season at Rangers with the SPL trophy. With Rangers entering Tuesday's match at Tannadice with a one-point lead over Celtic, having already played a game more, victory is a must for them.

But Houston knows Goodwillie is capable of inflicting further damage to Smith's SPL title bid, and he said: "He can score in any company and I think he's proved that - he's got all the talent in the world. This season on the park he's been at times a revelation in the SPL and a revelation for me in the United team."

Goodwillie has scored 14 league goals this term and was linked with a winter transfer window move to Ibrox. The 22-year-old, though, extended his United deal last month having been shown loyalty after being charged for an alleged serious sexual assault in January. The inquiry is ongoing.

His form has continued and led to a PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year nomination.

Houston added: "With us having (Jon) Daly injured for spells during the season he's led the line and he's played the majority of games and he's done fantastically well.

"With all the off-field problems he has had he has not let it get to him too much and he's still banging in the goals."

Source: PA

Source: PA