He’s not Leo or Diego, but Mikkelsen’s key for Laszlo

CSABA LASZLO admits towering Thomas Mikkelsen isn’t in the mould of Lionel Messi or Diego Maradona — but insists he’s pivotal to Dundee United’s promotion play-off hopes.

Laszlo hailed the deadly Dane, whose seventh-minute winner against third-bottom Falkirk gave United back-to-back home wins within the space of a few days.

The 28-year-old, on-loan from Ross County, led the line in typically-aggressive fashion as he won headers for strike partner Scott McDonald to feed off.

With only three games now left to achieve their objective, United moved to within four points of secondplace Livingston courtesy of Mikkelsen’s decisive strike — and his manager had nothing but praise for the Scandinavian star.

Boss Laszlo, whose side head for Brechin on Tuesday, said: ‘Thomas is a very honest player. He’s not Messi or Maradona! He’s not fantastic with the ball. But he fights hard — and I like someone who is a team player.

‘I think he’s been so good for us in the past week. He’s a great target man and won a lot of headers, and held the ball up well for his team-mates.

‘I’m very pleased with the result and to get two good wins on the trot can only be a positive thing.’

Fresh from delaying St Mirren’s title celebrations with victory over the Paisley side last Tuesday, the home team swept into an early lead.

Robbie Thomson, the Falkirk keeper, saw his attempted clearance hit Jordan McGhee on the back. Willo Flood pounced to square for Mikkelsen to prod home.

Dominant United might have had a penalty when Reghan Tumilty appeared to push McDonald but referee Craig Thomson waved play on.

Falkirk’s only real chance came in the 56th minute when Alex Jakubiak fluffed his effort inside the box.

Bairns boss Paul Hartley said: ‘One mistake cost us. I can’t fault the players for their efforts. It just wasn’t to be.’