Daly predicts more success

Republic of Ireland hopeful Jon Daly is adamant Dundee United can improve further after capping their highest league placing for 13 years with only the second Scottish Cup triumph in their history.

United coped professionally with the pressure of being favourites against Ross County as they controlled the Active Nation final at Hampden from the start.

Scotland U-21 striker David Goodwillie opened the scoring with a brilliant lob in the 61st minute before Craig Conway finished off the contest with two clinical finishes in the final 15 minutes.

The convincing display swept aside suggestions that United might have struggled to regain their momentum after easing off in the SPL.

Manager Peter Houston had rested key players during the final four matches after United secured third place with victory at Motherwell at the end of an 11-match unbeaten run.

Such impressive form has raised hopes United can challenge the Old Firm more closely next season but the likes of Goodwillie and Garry Kenneth have attracted interest from teams in England.

United will definitely lose skipper Andy Webster in the summer as he returns to Rangers following his loan spell and Houston’s future is yet to be confirmed, although both he and chairman Stephen Thompson are keen to extend his reign.

But Daly is convinced United can continue to improve on the steady progress they have made since Houston’s mentor, Craig Levein, took charge in October 2006.

“I don’t see that this is all we can achieve,” the Irish striker said.

“If we can manage to keep the players together, it’s a young squad and we can push on and hopefully next year go a step further in the league and hopefully retain the cup.

“If there is interest in the players, we are doing something right.

“We’re happy we’ve got this squad and we’ll see how the summer goes.

“Hopefully we can get Houstie signed up on a long-term deal as well.”

Morgaro Gomis is also optimistic United will not face another 16-year wait for a trophy.

“It’s the dream season to finish third and win the Scottish Cup but the ultimate season can be better than that,” the midfielder said.

“We will carry on working hard and winning games, that is what it’s all about.

“But we will enjoy this and worry about everything else another time.”

Daly was full of praise for his strike partner Goodwillie, who showed composure beyond his years to instantly chest down County goalkeeper Michael McGovern’s headed clearance and execute a perfect lob from 30 yards.

“That just sums him up,” the former Stockport and Hartlepool striker said.

“I’ve said it before, he’s a great player and I think he’s got a really bright future ahead of him.

“If he knuckles down and keeps working hard, he can go all the way.”

Daly, 27, added: “We started well, which we knew we would have to do because they would come out of the blocks.

“We were a bit disappointed to go in 0-0 at half-time. The keeper made a couple of saves and they made a couple of last-man tackles.

“When we got the first goal, it was brilliant, and then Craig Conway has popped up with two late on, which was fantastic.”