Dundee United boss Peter Houston is backing Steven Naismith to be a big hit at Everton.

Houston worked with Naismith in his role as assistant to Scotland manager Craig Levein, and believes a move to Goodison was the right choice for the 25-year-old.

He told the Liverpool Echo: "I think he can be a very good signing for Everton. I've always rated him highly but it wasn't until I worked with him at the Scottish national level that I realised how good he actually is.

"Naisy's got a bit of everything. He has heart, can take knocks, runs with the ball and scores goals. He's also versatile and can play in number of positions which is a big plus these days. If he was going to the Premiership at all I think Everton was the right club for him to go to. I say that because he's got a manager who will make sure he gets the best out of him. David is an excellent manager who has worked wonders at Everton and it is always good to see another Scotsman doing so well down in England as a coach.

"I have no doubts he (Naismith) will play a part for Everton next season because he has fantastic ability and despite his injury last season, he has always been a fit lad so he will come back every bit as strong as he was before the injury."