Dundee United manager Peter Houston has urged Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-Steven to continue their development at Tannadice.
Russell and Mackay-Steven earn praise from Dundee United boss
Dundee United manager Peter Houston heaped praise on goalscorers Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-Steven following their 2-0 win at Hibernian and urged the young duo to continue their development at Tannadice.
Russell netted after 65 minutes before putting Mackay-Steven through for the second, as the visitors extended their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premier League to eight matches.
The victory made certain of United's spot in the top six and Houston praised his young team for their performances this term.
Self-belief
"They've exceeded expectations, the Mackay-Stevens and the Russells of this world," said Houston. "We needed them to perform.
"(But) I wish we had that wee bit more self-belief. When you're on a run like this you should be more cocky, arrogant and positive."
Russell and Mackay-Steven are likely to attract admirers, but Houston anticipates the under-contract duo will remain at United, for the near future at least.
Development
"I don't expect to lose them because I think the two boys know it wouldn't do them any harm to stay where they are, get even better and learn the game," he explained.
"That's not to say in the future they'll want to move on to bigger and better things and I'll be the first to push them out of the door if that happens.
"Johnny Russell's not ready to move yet - in 12 to 18 months he might be ready.
"Gary Mackay-Steven, we've given him a platform to see if he can handle the SPL and I think his performances prove it."
