Louis Moult can be Dundee United's talisman as 'satisfied' Jim Goodwin sees his gamble paying off

Louis Moult has always had a proven Premiership scoring record and Jim Goodwin was never in any doubt he would get Dundee United goals in the top-flight.

The experienced Englishman has two goals in his last two outings and is staking his claim to be United’s starting striker. Moult was top scorer as he fired United out of the Championship and Goodwin knew his experience and know-how would be vital back at the top level. Goodwin admitted: “We know he can do it and that is why we wanted to keep him. We had good dialogue with him over the summer, to where we saw him fitting him.

“We took a chance on Louis last season when nobody else did. I think he understands that and appreciates the fact that Dundee United gave him the opportunity at a good club and a good league. It is also a place where he is appreciated.

“It works both ways. We’ve invested a lot in Louis when there was uncertainty around his injury but he has worked hard to get himself fit and he is in great shape.”

The former Motherwell striker has had to be patient as United started the season with one central striker and that berth went to Jort van der Sande. The 32-year-old admitted he wasn’t the most patient and was knocking on Goodwin’s door looking for more game time. Moult will be looking to keep his scoring run going against St Mirren this weekend.

The United boss claimed: “You want that when you are the manager. You don’t want anybody to be satisfied to be on the bench.

“Louis has understood the situation, handled it professionally and as you would expect from a senior player. Louis backs himself and doesn’t lack confidence or self-belief.

“He believes he will score goals given the opportunity. He has had his chance. He has always come off the bench for