Having confirmed him in late January as manager until the end of the season, right now the chairman sees no reason to make any further public statement.

The Tele understands, however, that, barring a dramatic collapse over the closing weeks of the campaign, the man who was assistant to Craig Levein before he left for Scotland in December, will be offered the chance to continue next season.

After a difficult start that included a 7-1 league hammering away to this weekend’s Scottish Cup opponents Rangers, Houstie has chalked up an impressive record since the turn of the year.

In 12 games since the narrow New Year defeat to Aberdeen, United have won eight times and lost just twice to put themselves in pole position for a third-place finish in the league, as well as earning that place in the last eight of the cup.

And, if they can hang on to their league position for the next 10 games, the manager will have outdone his predecessor by qualifying for the Europa League.

Meanwhile, Peter confirmed today that Paul Dixon could be out for up to a month.

The full-back had to come off against Hearts on Sunday after damaging ankle ligaments.

And, although Sean Dillon is likely to deputise against Rangers in the cup this weekend, the manager admitted a lack of natural cover in that area is something that needs to be addressed.

“It’s unfortunate for Paul, and for the team, but we have Sean Dillon who can come in,” said Peter.

“It’s an area of the pitch where we do lack cover, though, and that’s something that has to be looked at for next season.”

Andy Webster picked up a thigh strain in the win against Hearts, but, in any case, under the terms of his loan agreement he can’t play against Rangers.

The match official for Sunday’s game at Ibrox is Dougie McDonald.

Kerr has not been surprised at attempts by promotion rivals to put the pressure on, but believes they’ll get their answer in the shape of positive results in the coming weeks.

“As a few of the boys said on Saturday night, when Ross County came back from two down a few weeks ago to get a draw it was a mark of champions, but when we do it’s called nerves,” he said.

“I don’t think we’ve had the credit we deserve, but that’s just the way things are and all we’re bothered about is that we are in a very good position at the top of the league.

“Others have games in hand and can close the gap, but we know that, if we keep winning games, no-one can catch us.

“I’m in the dressing-room and I can tell you I haven’t seen any sign of nerves. All we’re thinking about is putting together a good run of results.

“We know we are capable of doing that, because we did it to get to the top of the league before Christmas and another good run will keep us there.”

The former Scotland man does not deny it would probably have been better if Dundee were in league action this week, but pledges the cup will not be ignored.

“The priority has always been the league and maybe in some ways this is a distraction for us, but it is there and, come Saturday, no-one will be thinking that way.

“You do not often get the chance to get to the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup and that is what we’ll be aiming for. With the squad we have, there is no reason why we can’t go all the way in the cup and the league.”

He does admit the one result that would suit neither side on Saturday would be a draw that would mean another game added to an already congested fixture list.

“It’s more of an issue for Raith, because of the midweek games they’ve already got to play, but it is fair to say that a draw would not suit either of us.”

Meanwhile, Dundee’s bounce game against St Johnstone today had to be scrapped because the Perth men have too many injured players.

Instead, boss Jocky Scott held a full-scale practice match involving his entire squad.

Taking part was new signing Bob Malcolm, although the club have still to receive international clearance for the player.

However, it’s hoped all the paperwork will be in place in plenty of time for Saturday’s Scottish Cup quarter-final tie against Raith Rovers at Dens.

Jocky will be at Stark’s Park this evening to run the rule over the Fifers, who entertain Ross County in a league game.

Referee Charlie Richmond will be in charge of proceedings at Dens on Saturday.

Meanwhile, winger David Heagney, a Republic of Ireland U/19 international, is back playing after being out injured for a while.

Signed during the last close season, David is regarded as a good prospect, but injury has restricted his appearances.

“David is working his way back and we’re delighted about that,” Derek went on.