Dundee United boss Peter Houston believes Steven Naismith will be a big hit for Everton in the English Premier League.
The Scotland international star, who has battled back to fitness following a cruciate injury sustained last season, has signed for David Moyes’ side and is set to link up with another former Rangers player Nikica Jelavic at Goodison.
The pair will be part of the Toffees squad at Tannadice on Wednesday night for a glamour pre-season friendly against United.
Houston, who has worked with Naismith in his role as assistant manager to national boss Craig Levein, said: ”I think he can be a very good signing for Everton. I’ve always rated him highly but it wasn’t until I worked with him at the Scottish national level that I realised how good he actually is.
”Naisy’s got a bit of everything. He has heart, can take knocks, runs with the ball and scores goals. He’s also versatile and can play in number of positions which is a big plus these days. If he was going to the Premiership at all I think Everton was the right club for him to go to.
”I say that because he’s got a good manager who will make sure he gets the best out of him.”
Houston also took time to lavish praise on his own side’s star striker Jon Daly who put city rivals Dundee to the sword at the weekend with a hat-trick of goals in the Dens Park derby friendly.
Houston added: ”It’s always nice for a striker to get off the mark early doors. So for him to score three goals in a derby match is tremendous for the big man. The range of goals which he’s scoring is also very pleasing.
”There were headers, volleys, and overhead kicks last season so he’s carrying on in that manner.
”He went in where it hurts with (Dundee keeper) Rab Douglas for the first one, which summed him up. A lot of people would have drawn out of that but big Jon isn’t scared to stick his head in.
”He always looks after himself over the summer to make sure he comes back in good shape. His attitude is spot-on so he’s an example to everyone around him. He’s a great professional.”
Despite Saturday’s convincing win over the Dark Blues, Houston is demanding more from his players when they face Everton.
He said: ”It will be a good experience for our young players to face such a quality side. We’ve got the draw for the Europa League on Friday so we’ve got to build up towards that gradually.
”Even though we won on Saturday against Dundee, we’re still nowhere near where we need to be by early August. I expect them to be a lot sharper by the time we go into Europe and I’m sure they will be.”
Tickets for the Everton game are priced at £10 for adults and £5 concessions.
Photo Lynne Cameron/PA Archive