Celtic v Dundee United: Peter Houston 'thrilled' after capturing defender Gunning on three-year deal

The 20-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell, has signed a three-year contract, subject to international clearance. The Republic of Ireland under-21 international visited Tannadice this week and was convinced to join United by Houston.

Houston said: "I am thrilled to capture Gavin's signature. He is exactly the type of player we try to bring to Dundee United - he is young, athletic and hungry. He can play either left-back or central defence and having seen his performances last season I know he can do a job in the SPL. It was important that we moved to bring a central defender to the club and to get someone of Gavin's calibre is particularly exciting."

United travel to Parkhead unbeaten in the SPL, although they have dropped points at home against both Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

Houston said: "Celtic are a top team, they have great players and are now a year down the road and have matured well as a team. I still think there is a lot more to come from Celtic so we know we're in for a tough match."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon is wary of United, and is expecting a challenging afternoon for his side. "Dundee United have lost a lot of players in the last year and a half but Peter (Houston] seems to keep reinventing the team," said Lennon. "They are unbeaten this season and their away form is pretty decent so it will be a difficult game for us. They took points off us last season so we will have to be wary of that."

Paddy McCourt, who scored twice in Northern Ireland's 4-0 victory over the Faroe Islands, may feature after his eye-catching international display. However, Lennon denied the former Derry City player, who is a favourite among the Parkhead fans despite his ongoing struggle to pin down a first-team place, has given him food for thought.

The former Northern Ireland midfielder said: "Not really because I know Paddy can do that. I was delighted for him. He wasn't sure he would start the game so I am pleased for him.

"It gave Northern Ireland a boost and he made a huge contribution and entertained the crowd which is what he can do. So he will come back full of the joys of spring. He would probably like to play more games but he is a valuable member of the squad. He has just got to be patient like everybody else, the chance will come along and if it does he has just got to take it."

Lennon has still not given up hope of bringing back Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy but seemed to accept that he will lose Polish goalkeeping target, Grzegorz Sandomierski, to Genk. He said: "From what I can gather he is in Genk at the minute. If there is an avenue we will pursue it but we do have other options."