Home talent proves Dundee United's saviour

Dundee United manager Alex Smith said that 'flying the flag' had prevented his side being relegated from the Premier League.

Smith unfurled new domestic recruits Jim Lauchlan, Charlie Miller, Derek Lilley and Jamie Fullarton after his appointment to replace Paul Sturrock in August.

But the Tannadice boss believes that the arrivals of Scottish players have sparked the desire to beat off the challenge of St Mirren, with United needing a win at St Johnstone to secure safety.

"We moved out quite a lot of players from abroad, from South America, and we brought in players like Jim Lauchlan, Charlie Miller, Derek Lilley and Jamie Fullarton, who have all played a major part," said Smith.

"Even lads like Jason De Vos have become better players since then. Davie Hannah, Craig Easton and Steven Thompson are very much Dundee United players.

"Jamie Buchan and Jamie McCunnie have also done really well, along with goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.

"There have been a number of reasons for our consistency but Charlie Miller has made a big difference with his quality.

"We have had a good run since the turn of the year and I think we are near the top of the league in terms of form since then.

"It was the early part of the season which gave us all the trouble when we did not win a game until the beginning of December. We have been fairly consistent since then."

Smith is now focusing on securing the crucial three points in the Tayside derby at McDiarmid Park but he admits that he has been in this position before in recent weeks.

"This is a big game but they have all been like that recently, to be fair," said Smith.

"They have all been games where we have had to take maximum points so there is nothing new in that.

"The only difference is that, if we do take maximum points, we know we are still in the Premier League.

"We know that is the position and that has got to be our aim.

"St Mirren have not surprised me at all. They have been quite dogged and have hung in.

"The big game for them was in Paisley when they won that one. That gave them such a boost and, if we had taken a draw from there, I think it would have been over by now.

"But they do work hard and they are playing for a lot."

Life may have been made easier for Smith after St Johnstone players suffered injuries ahead of the game.

Saints manager Sandy Clark could be forced to operate without a recognised right-back as Stuart McCluskey is sidelined with an ankle injury.