Peter Houston is hopeful Mixu Paatelainen can 'hit the ground running' at Dundee United if he is confirmed as successor to Jackie McNamara.

Houston, who won the 2010 Scottish Cup when in charge at Tannadice, knows the United supporters will have high expectations for their new manager.

However, he is convinced Paatelainen - who is out of work after leaving the Finland national team in June - will prove a good appointment.

And he believes the Finn's knowledge of the Scottish game from spells as boss at Cowdenbeath, Hibernian and Kilmarnock, as well as his time as a player with United, Aberdeen, Hibs, St Johnstone and St Mirren, makes the 48-year-old a wise choice.

The Falkirk manager said: "Mixu finished top-six with Hibs and won the manager of the year with Kilmarnock, and got the Finland job. So he has a record of doing well.

"It's an appointment that could be a safe appointment, and by that I mean he knows the Scottish divisions, and has done for a number of years.

"He was very highly praised when he was at Kilmarnock for moving to a certain style of football and the style of building from the back.

"I wish him well because it's a good club. Dundee United is an excellent club, with supporters crying out for a wee bit of success.

"There are always high expectations at Dundee United and that won't change, and what you would like to see is Mixu hitting the ground running to get people onside.

"But, for me, if it is to be him, then it's a good appointment."