Goodwin hails his battlers for securing Euro slot

JIM GOODWIN praised his gutsy Dundee United stars for silencing their critics and going fourth to book their European return.

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They came from behind to beat Aberdeen to jump above the Dons and claim what looks to be a Europa League qualifying slot.

Goodwin's injury-hit squad had been running on empty getting into the top six and hadn't picked up a point but managed to come up with a dramatic final-day win.

"I just think it's a fantastic way to finish off what's been a really successful season for the club," said the United boss, who will now get his first crack at Europe.

"People have questioned our character and questioned the players about being on holiday too early. I think today's performance showed that was never the case.

"We haven't been great in the last four matches. We were well beaten by all of the teams but it certainly wasn't due to a lack of effort or commitment. I thought there were some really special performances there today, in particular, Declan Gallagher, the guy that knows he's leaving.