SUPER SOUTTAR WOULD BE A EURO STAR

IF Dundee United fulfil their ambition of making it into Europe next season, then one player who will surely prosper is John Souttar. Providing he stays on Tayside, of course. Still only 18, the talented Tannadice defender’s ball-playing ability again came to the fore in this well-deserved victory which moves United into fourth place in the table. Souttar seems ideally suited to the kind of football pursued by manager Jackie McNamara, and he could also thrive on the wider stage of the Europa League, a competition last graced by United in 2012. Souttar has made a seamless transition from his normal defensive berth to a new midfield role. The way he set up Robbie Muirhead for Saturday’s winning goal was proof that he should be honing his burgeoning skills in a more advanced position. Plaudits and attention are nothing new to Souttar, who became the youngest player, at 16, to represent United when he made his debut in January 2013. Sunderland, Everton and QPR have all shown interest in the teenager and, only last week, Celtic were linked with a possible summer move. Charlie Telfer, Souttar’s midfield colleague, is full of praise. ‘He is a pleasure to play with,’ said Telfer. ‘He is so comfortable on the ball and you could see from the pass for the goal he is brilliant. ‘That boy could play anywhere. He has a great touch and vision. He is strong and quick. ‘He played midfield pre-season and he was brilliant, so I’m not surprised he has come in and been absolutely fantastic. ‘He had a bad injury at the start of the season so it’s good for him to be back, to kick on and do what he is good at. ‘It means more competition in midfield, but to play alongside him is fantastic.’ Muirhead made the difference with his opportunist half-volley past Aberdeen keeper Scott Brown. His first goal for United could turn out to be a pivotal one ahead of tomorrow night’s rearranged trip to face third-placed Inverness, who are only four points above the Tannadice side. Telfer, meanwhile, is sure Muirhead will prove a shrewd signing following his move from Kilmarnock in the January transfer window. ‘I have been impressed with Robbie since he arrived here,’ he said. ‘It has been hard for him to get a chance with the games coming thick and fast. He was brilliant against Celtic last week and today he thoroughly deserved his goal. ‘He has good feet and has a great shot on him, so he’s a good asset for the team.’ The win breathes new life into United’s European push and even though Aberdeen top scorer Adam Rooney missed an easy headed opportunity which could have changed the whole complexion of the game early on, United’s aim in the last few games of this campaign is crystal clear. Telfer said: ‘We have a bit of form back and we are looking to pick up as many points as we can between now and the end of the season. ‘First half of the season we were brilliant. We got into the cup final and then we had this bad patch. ‘So it would be great if we could get a European spot.’

DUNDEE UNITED (4-4-2): Cierzniak 7; Dixon 6, McGowan 6, Fojut 6, Morris 6; Rankin 6, Souttar 8, Telfer 7, Spittal 5 (Connolly 46); Ciftci 5, Muirhead 7 (Smith 79). Subs not used: Dillon, Szromnik, Anier, Spark, Coote. Booked: McGowan, Ciftci. ABERDEEN (4-4-1-1): Brown 6; Logan 7, Considine 6 (McLean 62) Taylor 5, Reynolds 6; Flood 6, Hayes 6, Pawlett 3 (Smith 23) Jack 6 (Goodwillie 62); Rooney 5, McGinn 6. Subs not used: Langfield, Robertson, Shankland, Daniels. Booked: Reynolds, Flood. Referee: John Beaton. Attendance: 8,686. Man of the match: John Souttar.