Paul Dixon can secure a dream move to England and win caps for Scotland if he continues his recent form, Dundee United manager Peter Houston has said.

Dixon has been a key player in United’s five match unbeaten run that has seen them return to the top six in the SPL and secure a Scottish Cup quarter final place.

However, the defender, who earned a call-up to the Scotland squad last year, has been left out of national team boss Craig Levein’s most recent squad.

Dixon’s club manager said that the player was at an important stage in his club career but that his impressive form meant that talk of his future was inevitable.

“It’s not my decision [to leave him out of the Scotland squad], first and foremost, it’s Craig and his scouting staff,” Houston said.

“Paul Dixon is in excellent form just now. He’s suspended for Saturday but I’ve got Barry Douglas waiting in the wings. Barry’s been very patient but he can’t get in the team simply because of the form of Paul Dixon.

“He’s great going forward. His use of the ball is second to none. His crossing and delivery has been brilliant.

“Paul’s at the end of his contract and is maybe looking to move on at the end of the season. When he’s playing like that it’s the kind of form that could earn him a good move, if he wants to go down to England.

“If he keeps up that form I’m convinced he’ll get the move that he’s looking for.”

Houston said that putting club football first would leave Dixon well placed to earn international recognition.

“What he’s got to do is not worry abut the Scotland situation,” the manager explained. “That’ll come.

“Craig’s got some good full-backs in position just now but Paul has got to concentrate on his club career and then what he’s going to do next season. He’s going about it the right way.

“There’s a lot of players vying for places in the Scotland squad. Paul did get called into a squad last year.

“He’s not far away and I know he’s in Craig’s thoughts but he’s stuck by the guys who have done well for him recently.

“Paul can be patient but I’m delighted with his form. He’s an excellent player and playing exceptionally well.”