Houston heaps praise on Lomas’s Saints work

DUNDEE UNITED manager Peter Houston last night saluted his St Johnstone counterpart Steve Lomas for picking up where Derek McInnes left off.

The Northern Irishman took over at Saints in November following his predecessor’s move to Bristol City and has guided the team into the top six for the first time.

St Johnstone are locked in a battle for Europe with United and Hearts so Houston believes it will go to the wire. He said:

“I have great admiration for Stevie Lomas for the way in which he has continued the job Derek McInnes started at that club.

“As well as carrying on the good work, I think he has also brought in good players who have done well for him this season.

“Stevie has been at the top level as a player and now he has gone into coaching and put his mark on St Johnstone.

“I have a lot of respect for him and his team.

“We have done OK against St Johnstone recently but they are a right good side and we face a really tough game through there next week.”