Source: FOOTYMAD
Drive To Build On Success
Dundee United players enjoyed the taste of success and want to sup from the top table again. Jon Daly is not content with picking up a Scottish cup winners medal but is adamant Dundee United can improve further. The side finished in their highest league position in 13 years and picked up only the second Scottish Cup triumph in their history. United coped professionally with the pressure of being favourites against Ross County as they controlled the yesterday's final at Hampden from the start. Scotland Under-21 striker David Goodwillie opened the scoring with a brilliant lob in the 61st minute before Craig Conway finished off the contest with two clinical finishes in the final 15 minutes. The display swept aside suggestions that United might have struggled to regain their momentum after easing off in the SPL. Manager Peter Houston had rested key players during the final four league games after United secured third place with a win at Motherwell at the end of an 11-game unbeaten run. Such impressive form has raised hopes United can challenge the Old Firm more closely next season but the likes of Goodwillie and Garry Kenneth have attracted interest from teams in England. There is the chance that players will leave and Houston knows he will not have skipper Andy Webster in the summer as he returns to Rangers following his loan spell. There is still an element of doubt over Houston's future although both he and chairman Stephen Thompson are keen to extend his reign. But Daly is convinced United can continue to improve on the steady progress they have made since Houston's mentor, Craig Levein, took charge in October 2006. The Irish striker said: "I don't see that this is all we can achieve. If we can manage to keep the players together, it's a young squad and we can push on and hopefully next year go a step further in the league and hopefully retain the cup. If there is interest in the players, we are doing something right. We're happy we've got this squad and we'll see how the summer goes. Hopefully we can get Houstie signed up on a long-term deal as well." Morgaro Gomis is also optimistic United will not face another 16-year wait for a trophy. The midfielder said: "It's the dream season to finish third and win the Scottish Cup but the ultimate season can be better than that. We will carry on working hard and winning games, that is what it's all about. But we will enjoy this and worry about everything else another time." Daly was full of praise for his strike partner Goodwillie, who showed composure beyond his years to instantly chest down County goalkeeper Michael McGovern's headed clearance and execute a perfect lob from 30 yards. The former Stockport and Hartlepool striker said: "That just sums him up. I've said it before, he's a great player and I think he's got a really bright future ahead of him. If he knuckles down and keeps working hard, he can go all the way." Daly went on: "We started well, which we knew we would have to do because they would come out of the blocks. We were a bit disappointed to go in 0-0 at half-time. The keeper made a couple of saves and they made a couple of last-man tackles. When we got the first goal, it was brilliant, and then Craig Conway has popped up with two late on, which was fantastic." Editor Ger Harley (ger@scottishfitba net)Admin Team (admin@scottishfitba net)This is Scottish-Fitba.Net
