DUNDEE UNITED face a battle to retain Irish midfielder Willo Flood, who is in his second season on loan at Tannadice. The 23-year-old is out of contract at Cardiff in the summer and Celtic have been strongly linked with the player. “We’ve made him a fantastic offer and would love him to stay but in the end he’ll make up his own mind,” said United chairman Stephen Thompson. “If Celtic have an offer accepted, which we presume they will, the decision will be Willo’s.”

The Republic of Ireland B international has been a big success during his time with United and spoke glowingly about manager Craig Levein when agreeing to rejoin the Tayside club in July.

When quizzed about any possible interest in Flood at the weekend, Celtic manager Gordon Strachan remained tight-lipped. Celtic , who face United in Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final at Hampden, have already signed Tannadice goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska on a pre-contract agreement.

Meanwhile, on Saturday a Scott McDonald double in a 3-1 win over Hibernian at Parkhead helped Celtic stretch their lead over Rangers at the top of the Premier League to four points. The Australia put the home side ahead in the third minute. When Stephen McManus grabbed a second six minutes later, it looked all over for the visitors. However, Hibs’ Rob Jones pulled a goal back with a header in the 17th minute to give the Easter Road men a glimmer of hope. But Celtic regained control and McDonald grabbed his second 15 minutes from time late to seal a deserved victory.

Earlier in the day Rangers spurned the opportunity to go top for a couple of hours after a tense goalless draw at Aberdeen.