That’s delighted manager Peter Houston, who believes it is only a matter of time before he gets the international recognition he came so close to in the win over the Czech Republic.

“As managers, we like to talk about people earning new contracts and, with Paul Dixon, that is certainly the case,” said Houstie.

“Each season, since he came over from Dundee, he has improved. He is a very good attacking full-back, who works very hard on his game and I know he will continue to improve.

“When he has been out of the team injured, he is a player we have missed and to know he is going to be here for another couple of years at least is very pleasing for me and good news for Dundee United.”

And in his role as assistant to Scotland boss Craig Levein last night, Houstie revealed just how near Dixon was to getting that cap.

“In the closing minutes we were a bit concerned that Lee Wallace was beginning to tire a bit, so we got Dicker stripped, but I know Craig is always reluctant to change a back four and it was the right decision for the team to leave things as they were.

“For Dicker and Garry Kenneth, just being with the Scotland squad for the past few days has been a valuable experience. What they have to concentrate on now is continuing to produce the kind of form with United that saw them get the call.”

The United man who did take part last night, Andy Webster, came off after 45 impressive minutes and is rated a doubt for Sunday’s home clash with Hearts.

“Being with Scotland, I know for myself that Andy was fine in training, but his calves felt a bit tight during the first half last night and that’s why he came off at the break.

“That’s a wee bit of a worry, because it’s been something that has bothered him on and off for a while now and we’ll have to see how he is for Sunday.

“However, Darren Dods and Garry Kenneth played very well in central defence against Falkirk last week, and I have no concerns about going with them on Sunday if I have to — if all three are fit it is going to be a difficult choice.”