Houston will remain in charge until the end of the season

Dundee United interim manager Peter Houston will remain in charge until the end of the season, the Scottish Premier League club have confirmed.

Houston became interim manager in December following Craig Levein's appointment as Scotland boss.

And the 51-year-old has agreed to stay on following talks with club chairman Stephen Thompson on Thursday.

He will also be allowed to assist Levein in the friendly against the Czech Republic at Hampden on 3 March.

Houston had initially indicated he did not want the job on a permanent basis because he felt too familiar with the players.

But a statement on United's club website read: "Peter Houston was today confirmed as Dundee United team manager until the end of the season.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Give your reaction to Houston's appointment

"Peter met with chairman this morning, with both parties agreeing that there was mutual benefit in continuing the present arrangements on a more permanent basis and both keen to put an end to continuing speculation.

"Peter has been granted permission to assist Scotland manager Craig Levein in March."

Houston's time as caretaker started badly, with a goalless draw with Kilmarnock, a 7-1 drubbing at the hands of champions Rangers and a 1-0 defeat by Aberdeen.

However, he followed that disappointing start with wins over Partick Thistle, Hamilton, Hibernian, Falkirk and a draw with St Johnstone.

And their recent good form has lifted United to fourth in the league.

Midfielder Craig Conway said the United squad were behind Houston and wanted him to become their new boss.

Speaking last week, Conway said: "It was Peter who said he didn't want the job, not the players who said we don't want him.

"If he wanted to take the job, he would have the full backing of all the players. We all get on really well with him."

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