United midfield man can boost international profile

Neilson said: “I’ve had a few nice calls of congratulations from people in the game since we won the league so that has been nice.

“I have also made a few myself as I know Paul Hartley well at Cove Rangers and John McGlynn at Raith Rovers.

“We all said the same thing, that it wasn’t the way any of us were wanting the season to finish but it is what it is. We just have to enjoy it for a short spell before you start looking to build for the new season.

“You have that bit of success but then it is always on to the next thing but, with the current circumstances, it has been difficult to do that.”

Neilson hasn’t had his feet up, however.

Instead, the United boss found himself pressed into action by the SFA’s coach education department, who tapped into his expertise to support the next generation of Scottish gaffers.

“The SFA have asked me if I could help them out on a couple of courses,” explained Neilson.

“I did the ‘B’ licence last week and the week of the 8th I am also doing the ‘A’ licence for them.

“It is strange because normally it is an on-site course but this year, because of the circumstances, they have had to do it remotely over Zoom.

“I did a wee bit for them last year and I did a bit for the ‘Pro’ licence a couple of months ago.

“It is good and keeps you busy. Quite a lot of coaches help out.

“Steve Kean is doing a bit, as is Shelley Kerr and I think Jack Ross is also doing the ‘A’ as well.

“None of our players are on it but Frederic Frans, who used to be at United, was on the ‘B’ licence.”