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.