Peter Houston says the challenge of building a new Dundee United team this summer is exciting rather daunting.

The Terrors face the prospect of losing out of contract stars Paul Dixon, Scott Robertson, Garry Kenneth and Dusan Pernis this summer.

Houston experienced the same scenario last year when David Goodwillie, Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis, David Robertson and Prince Buaben all left Tannadice.

The Scotland assistant boss has moved quickly to sign Michael Gardyne from Ross County and Polish goalkeeper Radislow Cierniak on pre contract deals.

And he says a player moving on is all part of the game.

He said: "Players will move on at the end of the season and guys will go with my best wishes.

"I'm not going to fall out with people because of it, it's what happens in football now.

"It's a short career and people should be looking to do the best for themselves as they can.

"I look at Morgaro Gomis, Craig Conway and Prince Buaben all playing in England after leaving us last season and I'm proud that we helped them get there.

"They were great for Dundee United and worked really hard to get a move elsewhere. I was pleased for these boys and I will be the same for the ones who will leave this season.

"It's rewarding to see these guys - and players like Johnny Russell, who has been here since he was 13 - develop and become the best they can."

United haven’t given up on beating Motherwell to third place but Houston knows they have a tough job on their hands to beat Aberdeen.

He said: "Aberdeen are a good team with a lot of good players.

"Aberdeen have beaten us twice already this season so nobody needs to tell us how dangerous they are.

"At Tannadice, we played very well in the first half and they did the same to us in the second before winning it with a wonder goal.

"They have a great management team and have cup semi-final places to play for so they will be up for it.

"We have won six in a row and are desperate to make it seven but we know we'll have to be at our best."