Houston opts out of Cyprus friendly trip

Peter Houston has opted out of Scotland duty next month in order to help his Dundee United side climb out of their current predicament, which was deepened by the Scottish Communities League Cup loss to Falkirk.

The Irn-Bru First Division side last night won 5-4 on penalties at Tannadice after the quarter-final contest ended 2-2 to secure a second successive Clydesdale Bank Premier League scalp following the win over Rangers.

With United now having won twice in 12 games – their last win the 2-0 League Cup success at Airdrie – Houston will now not travel to Cyprus with Scotland next month.

Houston, who is assistant to Scotland boss Craig Levein, said: “I want to be with the players. I spoke to Craig today (Tuesday).

“If it was a qualifier I’d have a decision to make, but I’m not really needed as such.

“I still enjoy the Scotland stuff and I still want to do that. But for this particular time we’ll work away with the (United) players and do extra training.”