Rankin form has Houston full of praise

Published on 23/02/2012 03:17

Peter Houston has hailed the impact of John Rankin after the midfielder played a starring role in Dundee United’s 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock on Tuesday.

Rankin slammed home the third goal of the night after 70 minutes – with Jon Daly, Paul Dixon and Scott Robertson also on target – and Houston has been delighted with the player’s performances since he arrived from Hibernian in the summer.

“I couldn’t believe I got him, he typifies the spirit of the guys like Prince Buaben and Morgaro Gomis who moved elsewhere,” said Houston of Rankin.

“Since I arrived at the club six years ago, the Dundee United midfield has been all about players who get in your face. John is exactly that type of player.

“His attitude is brilliant and he has settled in well, he’s been a great player for us. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him win a lot of the supporters’ awards at the end of the season as he has been consistent throughout.”

Houston was delighted to see his side record their biggest home success of the season and was also impressed at the calibre of the goals.

“We scored some great goals and it was very pleasing to see,” he added. “Those are the type of goals we score, during the match Paul Dixon hit the post and John Rankin forced a few good saves from Cammy Bell.”