Houston (right) was pleased with the performance of youngster Armstrong

Dundee United manager Peter Houston praised the entertainment on show in his side's 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.

Conor Sammon's opener for Killie was cancelled out by Johnnie Russell before half-time and there was no more scoring at Tannadice.

"That was fantastic," the United boss told BBC Scotland.

"I defy any fan to say they didn't enjoy that. It was a most open game of football, it's the best we've played this season. I thought we were great."

While frustrated not to have won, Houston saw many positives in the Tangerines' performance.

"We could have won it. Jon Daly's had a header and he's dinked the goalkeeper and it's not gone in.

"Kilmarnock are a dangerous side. They scored a goal out of nothing - great play and a great finish. I was so pleased to get back into the game rather than having to chase it.

"I was really proud of the players today. I gave Johnnie Russell a chance and he's come up with a fantastic performance. We changed the shape of the team a wee bit and it worked well.

"We also had young Stuart Armstrong on to the park early doors and I thought he did magnificently well for a young kid. I took him off near the end simply because it's a tough game for an 18-year-old. The tempo of the match was incredible.

"For most of the game, we had five under-21s on the park. We were quick and pacy at times against a quick and pacy Kilmarnock side. I've got great respect for them, I watched them tear Hearts part at Tynecastle recently.

"I'm really, really pleased, only slightly frustrated that we didn't win it in the end."

United now face both halves of the Old Firm, starting with Celtic next week.

"It doesn't get any easier," added Houston. "We've had a tough four games on the trot. We've taken seven out of the 12 points. It could've been nine out of the 12 and I would've been happy with that.

"We've got Rangers here at Tannadice, which is always a tough game. We'll go to Parkhead and be organised and work our socks off."

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