Kevin Holt showing he belongs at top level with Dundee Utd as Jim Goodwin 'best defender' vision paying off

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has praised Kevin Holt and believes his performances have proved his Premiership class.

The versatile defender was a key figure in United’s promotion push and that has remained the case in the top-flight. Holt has played at the back and in midfield for United and has also been on the scoresheet, netting in the weekend win over St Mirren. Goodwin said: “I’m particularly pleased for Kevin Holt because he’s showing everyone he deserves to be at this level.

“His performances have shown why we worked so hard to keep him in the summer. Is he playing with a point to prove? I suppose he does. He wants to show everyone how much he’s enjoying playing at this level again. He had a spell in the Premiership with Dundee, went abroad, then was with Queen of the South and then Partick Thistle. For me, he’d been the best defender in the Championship for a number of years.

“Every time I saw him - along with Ross Docherty - he looked better than the level he was playing at. That’s the reason I went to sign them when I did and I think with Ross you can see when he’s been fit, he belongs at this level too.”

Goodwin has praised the 31-year-old’s professionalism. His manager added: “For Holty, he’s been a mainstay in the team since he came here.

“He’s a great professional, a good team-mate who works hard, keeps himself in great shape and is putting in some fantastic performances. People can see how good he’s been in games for us, but just as much as that it’s the way he puts everything in during the training sessions. He’s been a joy to work with over the last couple of seasons.”

Another key figure for United this season has been top scorer Sam Dalby. His three goals in four games last month has seen him named as