Gary Mackay-Steven won his second young player of the month award and seemed determined to deflect the attention onto every available target.

He thanked Jon Daly, his captain and the Clydesdale Bank Premier League's top scorer; his manager, Peter Houston, who won his own award after a perfect March; those players on the bench during Dundee United's run of six successive league wins and finally the supporters whose hero he has become in what has been an exhilarating breakthrough season.

"I was delighted to be told I had won the award for the second month in a row," said the 21-year-old. "All the lads have been doing really well recently. It hasn't just been me, the whole team has been superb this month.

"We are all just looking to keep our form going. Jon Daly has been doing brilliantly and the manager also deserves a lot of credit, but it isn't just about individuals. Everyone has performed and we want that good run to continue.

"The quality we have on the bench really keeps everyone on their toes. On Saturday, we had Danny Swanson, Richie Ryan, Stuart Armstrong, Garry Kenneth and Ryan Dow, who hasn't been playing but has been absolutely flying in training. So we know we can't afford to let our standards drop. We have a relatively small squad, but there is so much talent, everyone has to perform to keep their place."

Mackay-Steven received a flood of autograph requests after last weekend's win over Dunfermline. "All the interest from fans has taken a bit of getting used to and is a little crazy for me just now," he added. "But I really enjoy that side of things. It's just a little thing that players can give back to the supporters. They come out, pay their money and give us fantastic support. Ever since I made my debut, they have been unbelievable towards me and I can't thank them enough."

Gavin Rae, the Aberdeen midfielder, believes today's game against Dundee United gives his team the chance to gain confidence and calibrate their sights in front of goal before their focus switches to the William Hill Scottish Cup and a semi-final against Hibernian.

"We have not been scoring enough goals," he said. "But that's not just the strikers, it's the midfielders as well who can contribute more.

"It's important that the boys get a bit of confidence with a good result and performance against United to take into the semi-final. I have quite a good record against them from when I played in the Dundee derby games over the years and hopefully that will continue now. I did score against United with a tap-in from about a yard and I would settle for that again if it gets me and the team a win."

The Scotland international added that United's current form proves the pressure Houston was under earlier this season was unjust. "The way they have ended up shows you need to stick with the manager and give him the time put his plans into operation. Peter Houston has got them playing some unbelievable football and they have been on fire for the last couple of months."