While games in hand mean, mathematically, both the Dons and eighth-placed St Johnstone could catch them, Houstie accepts his side have now achieved their first target for the season.

“Put it this way, I would now be very disappointed if we are not in the top six come the split. The players have done very well and, in that regard, I think we are safe,” he said.

It will be the third year running United have recorded a top-half finish and, while he is taking nothing for granted regarding the top three, the gaffer did not hide his delight with the present position.

“I still think it’s premature to be talking about who is going to be third, because Hibs and Motherwell are right in there fighting as well.

“There are going to be twists and turns, and we’ve got both of them to play in the next few weeks and again after the split, so there is a lot to happen.

“For me, what is good is that we have put ourselves in a situation where we are not scrambling to be in the top half of the table and that means we can concentrate on finishing as high up the league as possible.”

After putting in what, he felt, was a huge effort to edge out Hearts, Houstie gave his players the day off today, and tomorrow will see his thoughts turn to this coming Sunday and the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Rangers.

And he hopes to have full-back Paul Dixon available for that, despite him limping off with an ankle knock yesterday.

“It’s Dicker’s right ankle that’s puffed up a bit this time, not the left, which was what kept him out for a few games last month,” he added.

“With this kind of thing, you usually have to wait a couple of days before you can judge how quickly it’s going to settle down, but our first impression is it will be OK again in days and we’ll have him for Sunday.”

Meanwhile, after complaints from both clubs, the Tayside derby between St Johnstone and United on Easter Monday will kick-off at 7.30 p.m.

When it was originally switched from the previous Saturday afternoon, a 4 pm start was pencilled in to suit broadcasters ESPN, but the clubs pointed out that would not suit many supporters.