Houston happy for Under-21s

Dundee United manager Peter Houston is delighted with the development of his Scotland Under-21 contingent.

The Tannadice club have had four players called in to Billy Stark's side to face Holland later this month and three of those have become regular starters at the club this season.

Exciting winger Gary Mackay-Steven has had his first call up, while Stuart Armstrong, Johnny Russell and Marc McCulloch have featured on the international scene before. Houston has looked more to youth this season and, while he accepts that having so many youngsters on board will lead to the occasional bout of inconsistency, the United boss is happy with their progress.

Houston, whose team play Kilmarnock on Tuesday, said: "Gary Mackay-Steven had a much quieter game against St Mirren at the weekend but I don't blame the lad for that.

"That kind of inconsistency just comes with being a young player. When I look at Stuart Armstrong, he can be brilliant and other times he can be a bit inconsistent. But I've just got to accept that. It's the exact same with Johnny Russell. You are going to get that when you're playing a young squad who are finding their feet in the SPL.

"I am really pleased with our young players. They've stepped up to the plate and stood up to be counted at places like Ibrox and Parkhead. I find it very difficult to criticise them. At the end of the day, I've got a bunch of boys who will work their socks off."