Houston has Skacel deal in his sights

Dundee United manager Peter Houston last night revealed he’s confident of keeping striker Rudi Skacel until the end of the season.

The Czech signed a deal with the Tannadice club in October until the end of January and has shown form as the Arabs bid to build on last weekend’s 3-0 ­Dundee derby victory.

Skacel, 33, is enjoying life with the Tayside club after leaving Hearts in the summer and Houston hopes he will extend his stay beyond the New Year.

Houston said: “I’m a big fan of Rudi and I would like to keep him until the end of the season.

“There’s a decent chance that will happen. I certainly hope it does and Rudi himself has also spoken about it when he first signed.

“Rudi is getting more like himself with every game. He’s getting fitter and all he needs is one goal to really get going and set him off on a wee run.

“He’s trying hard enough which isn’t the problem and he came close with a header in the Dundee derby.”

Skacel is known for his attacking qualities but Houston insists he’s working hard for the United cause ahead of Saturday’s SPL clash with Inverness at ­Tannadice.

He said: “I’m pleased with his form because he’s working ­really hard for the team. He is an ­attack-minded player but he grafts off the ball.”