Peter Houston reckons Stuart Armstrong could become the next Dundee United starlet to hit the big time.
The Scotland Under-21 international was outstanding in last weekend’s 1-1 SPL draw with Aberdeen and proved he’s ready to become a mainstay for the Tangerines.
Armstrong watched former team-mates such as David Goodwillie, Scott Robertson, Paul Dixon and Morgaro Gomis all clinch dream moves south of the border thanks to their dazzling displays for the Arabs.
And Houston, who tied the Aberdonian up on a new contract recently, reckons the youngster has what it takes to follow in their footsteps.
The Tannadice boss said: “I’m so pleased we were able to get Stuart signed up again recently. He’s the next one who might be ready to go on to bigger things in the next couple of years.
“That’s what I genuinely think of him because he’s a good player. He’s the captain of the Scotland Under-21s now and scored last week which will give him a big lift too.
“It was refreshing the way he committed himself to Dundee United. I spoke to his father who did the contract without any agent being involved.
“His dad was 100 per cent looking after the interests of the player which was refreshing for me as a manager. Stuart is a level-headed boy from a good family. Now what I want to see from him is 10 games in a row like Saturday’s.
“He has to maintain those consistency levels if he’s going to be a player week in week out in the SPL. But I think he’s got the ability to do that.”
Armstrong is hoping to nail down a regular start for United after his dazzling display and Houston admits it will be hard not to hand the 20-year-old midfielder a start at St Mirren on Saturday.
He said: “Of course, it will be difficult to leave him out now after the way he played against Aberdeen. Stuart actually played around 30 games for us last season which is a lot for a boy his age.
“It shows the confidence myself and the backroom staff have in him. He’s still learning the game but he’s a great listener and has a great attitude. Against Aberdeen his movement was brilliant.”
Houston also praised summer signing Mark Millar after he shone in his first SPL start against Aberdeen.
He said: “I thought for 60 minutes Mark was good. He shields the ball well and passes it well too so can control the game that way.
“He tired a bit after that which is to be expected but it was a good performance and he should get better.”