Dundee United manager Peter Houston believes that Gary Mackay-Steven can still improve his game, if he learns when to pass.

The winger was in stunning form during the 5-1 defeat of St Johnstone last weekend, making headlines for one particular piece of skill in cutting into the Saints box.

But Houston insisits that his star performer still has aspects of his game that he needs to improve.

He said: "Gary is a very exciting player and he has done brilliantly for us since he came into the team.

"We know that if we get the ball into the box then guys like Jon Daly will be there to get on the end of them. That's one thing we are saying to Gary - get the ball into the box.

"He can learn from Paul Dixon in that respect because he knows how to put it in the penalty box. I don't care how Gary beats a man as long as he does it then it's all about getting good delivery."

Houston has also suggested that one of the reasons for the former Liverpool and Airdrie man's impressive form was that he has started getting a regular run of matches.

He continued: "Gary has improved steadily since he came here and is still learning because he's not played all that many games.

"I always think the big thing for a winger is knowing when to put the ball into the box.

"If you are too early the strikers have not made their runs and if you delay too much the defence can get back. Knowing when to whip the ball in is something he's still learning but it will come."

United now face top-six rivals St Mirren this weekend, seeking a win to cement their place in the top half. Peter Houston took in the Buddies game with Ross County during the week and was impressed with what he saw.

He said: "St Mirren dug in to get a great result against Ross County, especially playing with 10 men.

"Any win up there is a fantastic result so they deserve a lot of credit for that. St Mirren are a good side so it's going to be a tough game.

"They have a good mix of experience and youth so we know we'll have to be at our best."

Despite winning 5-1 against St Johnstone last weekend, Houston was less than complementary about his team's performance. However, now he admits he was a little harsh on his charges.

He said: "The second half against St Johnstone was better than we thought it was.

"We had a lot of chances so maybe I discredited the players a wee bit - but they thought they were rubbish too. We have a couple of home matches coming up and there is a lot at stake.

"We will be playing the teams around us but the way we are looking at things is just taking each game as it comes then seeing where it takes us."