Houston thought his side stole the three points in Paisley

Defenders Michael Kovacevic, Paul Dixon and Andy Webster all have a good chance of returning to the Dundee United team for their next match against Celtic.

United manager Peter Houston had bemoaned the number of players missing through injury after admitting they were fortunate to beat St Mirren 2-1.

"You have to remember the number of players we have missing through injury," he told BBC Scotland.

"It wasn't pretty, but I am delighted with what are a massive three points."

St Mirren had taken the lead through Michael Higdon before United struck back in the last 10 minutes through Danny Swanson and David Goodwillie.

But Houston was critical of Goodwillie's performance despite the substitute striker's stoppage-time winner.

"It was his first contribution," said the manager. "I was really disappointed with his performance and I told him and he agreed with me.

"But he is a goalscorer and a good strike from Danny Swanson and a good ball into the box has stolen it for us."

Houston admitted that his side had not deserved the victory that brings United to within a point of third-top Hibernian in the Scottish Premier League.

"If I am being truthful, we probably stole it at the end and I feel for Gus and his players, but that's football," he added.

"I have to give great credit to the players for their effort, their commitment and their work rate."

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