Dundee United boss Peter Houston insists Motherwell's Craig Brown proves there is no substitute for experience in management. Eyebrows were raised when 69-year-old Brown took over at Fir Park along with fellow veteran Archie Knox but any thoughts people had they were out of touch were quickly dispelled as they have led Motherwell to the verge of third place.

He said: "I was with Craig on Thursday night and had a blether with him.

"He's done a magnificent job. He's experienced so he plays it all down and puts all the praise on his players.

"But Craig and Archie deserve loads of credit as well.

"They've guided the young lads through and by bringing back the likes of Steven Craigan and Stevie Hammell they have added experience.

"Motherwell's season has been reinvented since they went there. When they took over some folk said they were too old but that was total rubbish."

Brown's experience in the game has been invaluable, according to Houston.

He said: "Craig has a wealth of experience at the highest level and is the last man to take Scotland to a World Cup.

"Now, we've seen how hard that is to do with what has followed over the last 10 years and the longer time goes on the more people have come to appreciate what he did.

"And Archie has worked at a great level. He's been a manager in his own right, worked with people like Sir Alex Ferguson and then did it all with Walter (Smith) at Rangers and Everton.

"They have proved that you can't beat experience.

"It doesn't matter what age you are and when you have the knowledge and ability Craig and Archie have then you've got a top-class management team.

"Craig is an absolute gentleman, it's great to see him back in the game.

"He's always got a word of encouragement for the opposition and handles himself really well no matter what the situation."