Dundee United have again tapped into the rich vein of Slovakian goalkeeping talent to sign Filip Mentel on a three-year deal, and boss Peter Houston is delighted by the coup.
The former Manchester City youth, who impressed during a trial at Tannadice last season, put pen to paper on Thursday and will now provide back-up for first-choice keeper and fellow countryman Dusan Pernis.
Houston admitted that Mentel may be one for the future but could not disguise his delight at snapping up such a hot prospect from one of the top clubs in England.
He said, “Filip came to us on trial last season and, to be honest, I did not for a minute think we would get him.
“So I am thrilled to bring him on board and if he turns out as good as Dusan, I would be delighted.”
He added, “He has been at Manchester City so he comes with an impressive pedigree.
“We have had a good record of bringing in goalkeepers from eastern Europe.
“There is no single reason we have looked in that market but in Dusan, Lukasz Zaluska and Grzegorz Szamotulski we have ended up with three top-class keepers.”
He added, “(He) is here to push Dusan, as is Steve Banks, so it will be a good three-way fight between them.”
Houston said that player-coach Banks was instrumental in bringing Mentel whose father Miroslav is in charge of the Slovakian under-21 side to the club.
He said, “Steve reckons he has massive potential and I agree with that.
“Filip will be coming with us to the Oban tournament this weekend.”