Football briefs: Dundee United | St Johnstone | Morton| Huddersfield

DUNDEE United have secured teenagers Ryan Gauld and John Souttar, both of whom have played for the first team, on three-year contracts.

Midfielder Gauld, 17, has made three appearances and 16-year-old Souttar became the club’s youngest first-team player when he started the 2-2 draw at Aberdeen on 2 January. Chairman Stephen Thompson said: “They are two of the most exciting talents in the Scottish game.”

Beattie parts ways with St Johnstone

Craig Beattie has left St Johnstone following a disappointing spell in Perth.

The Scotland cap made only four substitute appearances during an injury-hit stint at McDiarmid Park after leaving Hearts in the summer. A club statement read: “The contract between St Johnstone and Craig Beattie has been terminated by mutual consent. The club wishes Craig every future success.”

Beattie recently trained with Notts County with a view to a move but was not deemed fit enough by manager Keith Curle.

Morton sign County striker McMenamin

Colin McMenamin has signed for Morton after being released by Ross County.

McMenamin was top scorer in the First Division last season, scoring 20 times for County, but has only found the net once in 20 matches this season.

The 31-year-old has moved to Morton, who are in contention to win the First Division title this season, after County brought in German striker Steffen Wohlfarth.

Huddersfield sack manager Grayson

Huddersfield have sacked manager Simon Grayson following the club’s recent slide down the npower Championship table.

Grayson, 43, led the club to promotion via the npower League One play-offs last May and his side had hovered in and around the top six during the first four months of the season.

But they have failed to win any of their last 12 league games and are seven points clear of the relegation zone in 18th place.