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Dundee United manager Peter Houston is hoping to extend Lauri Dalla Valle's loan spell from Fulham.

The 20-year-old striker has scored three goals in 13 appearances since moving to Tannadice in August on a deal that initially runs until January 16.

And while his first team opportunities have been limited recently, Houston feels he has a part to play.

"I haven't spoken to the boy or Fulham. I'd like to keep him to the end of the season," he said.

"He's got a great attitude, he's a wee bit unfortunate that Daly and Russell are starting to score goals, so he's not getting a starting position just now.

"I find it difficult to change guys that are scoring goals and he's not really had a wee sniff.

"I still like him enough that I'd keep him until the end of the season."

Dalla Valle missed the midweek draw at St Mirren through illness but is set to return to the squad when United play Aberdeen at Tannadice on Monday.

The former Liverpool forward could be joined in the squad by midfielder Richie Ryan.

Ryan agreed to move to Tannadice from Sligo Rovers in November and is set to be included in the squad for the Dons clash, where he could make his debut.