Young guns firing at the top

Dundee United boss Peter Houston reckons that discovering young talent in the lower leagues is the genuine way forward for Scottish football.

He certainly has good reason for saying so after the Tangerines' entire Scottish Cup winning midfield comprised players who have successfully worked their way to the top. Danny Swanson originally arrived from Berwick Rangers, Morgaro Gomis was recruited from Cowdenbeath and Craig Conway came from Ayr United.

"It`s about picking the ones with desire," Houston told the Evening Telegraph. "You don`t come to Dundee United and think you`ve made it because the hard work starts there, when you go to training and everyone is as good or better than you.

"We`ve got a couple of examples, Gomis who was good in the lower divisions, but the SPL is a big step-up," he continued. "Morgaro`s listened and learned. Prince Buaben came off the street without playing a first-team game, but he`s listened."

And new full-back Barry Douglas is the latest to join an expanding list following his recent acquisition from Queen's Park.

"We`ve Barry Douglas now and I think he can be the same and take things on board. We`re trying to teach them the game," Houston confirmed.

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