Source: Team_Talk
Terrors progress pleases Houston
This time last season the Tangerines had 31 points and that is the total they sit on this weekend, ahead of their match against Hibernian.[LNB]Both United and John Hughes' side are locked in a battle for the 'best of the rest' title and its European slot so can draw level on points with them if they win at Tannadice on Saturday.[LNB]Much has been made of United's slump in form since the start of December but they recorded their first SPL win in six matches against Hamilton on Tuesday.[LNB]So Houston believes his players are now over the shock of seeing manager Craig Levein depart to Scotland and are ready to recapture their early-season form.[LNB]He said: "I looked at the points totals the other day. Last season we had 31 points at this stage of the season and that's exactly what we've got today.[LNB]"The difference is that Hearts and Aberdeen don't have the same points they had last year. The only team who have improved are Hibs, they have done better points-wise. So we've got to be happy with the consistency.[LNB]"And when you look at the players we've had missing, Lee Wilkie, Scott Robertson and Fran Sandaza, then it's not bad. We've also had to leave Andy Webster out of the games against Rangers.[LNB]"But we're not sitting back thinking we've got a right to be where we are, the lads all know they've got to work at it."[LNB]Houston, who will remain in charge while United search for a permanent manager, rejected suggestions this is the club's biggest game of the season.[LNB]With another 20 matches to be played the former Hearts and Leicester assistant boss knows there is a long way to go yet.[LNB]He continued: "Every week is the biggest game of the season so you can't go into this one thinking it's the most important moment.[LNB]"There's no guarantee that who wins - that's if anyone wins - is going to finish third.[LNB]"There's a lot to play for. Yogi has done a great job at Easter Road. He's attracted some top quality in the likes of Anthony Stokes and Liam Miller.[LNB]"Stokes is a player he knows well from his Falkirk days and he's proved consistently he's a goalscorer.[LNB]"Liam Miller was a great player for Celtic in his younger days and went to Manchester United so that tells you all you need to know about his ability.[LNB]"The last game against them was very good. They were all over us in the first half but we turned the tables after the break and got a draw.[LNB]"I'd imagine it's going to be a close game. Both teams like to get the ball down and play so it's sure to be an exciting one for the fans."[LNB]Chairman Stephen Thompson has insisted he will take his time looking for a new manager so Houston has not been told how long he will remain in charge for.[LNB]The 51-year-old has ruled himself out of the running for the job full-time and insists he won't change his mind even if he wins on Saturday. He said;[LNB]"As I've said before, I'm happy to take the team while the chairman needs me.[LNB]"It's important for him to get the right man on board so it's only right he takes his time.[LNB]"But no matter what happens in the next week or however long I'll be in charge, it's best for someone fresh to come in."[LNB][LNB]
