Dundee United want to keep Ryan Dow at the club and have opened talks with his agent.
Dow proved he can be a big player for the Tangerines with a man-of-the-match performance and goal in the 3-1 home win over Motherwell on Friday night.
The display was all the more impressive considering he has not been a regular starter this season.
Boss Jackie McNamara, though, has often stressed Dow is part of his plans and the proof is now there in the form of contract talks.
The 22-year-old frontman’s deal ends this summer but he may be around for a bit longer.
McNamara confirmed: “We have been speaking to Ryan’s agent about extending his contract.
“It is up at the end of the season and he is a player we rate highly so would like him to be here for the future. I think he showed on Friday night what he has to offer, not just with his goal but with his overall performance.
“His attitude has been first-class this season given he has had to be patient for spells. We know Ryan is a good lad who wants to do his best for himself and United.”
United’s win over the Steelmen means they are just six points behind the third-placed team ahead of Friday night’s trip to face Hibs at Easter Road.
McNamara reckons they have every right to go into the clash confident of extending their recent run of fine form.
He said: “The lads are in good spirits. They enjoyed Friday night’s victory and played very well in spells against a good Motherwell side so they are looking forward to going to Hibs, which will obviously be another tough game.
“These are the kind of games you relish and, when you’re winning, it obviously breeds confidence.”
Meanwhile, United have been toasting an international treble. Central defender John Souttar’s call-up to the Scotland under-21s means there will be three young Tangerines in Billy Stark’s squad.
Souttar will team up with Ryan Gauld and skipper Stuart Armstrong for the friendly against Hungary at Tannadice on March 5.
They also, of course, have Andrew Robertson in the senior Scots squad for the friendly against Euro 2016 qualifying opponents Poland in Warsaw on the same night.
The left-back may be set for great things in his career but has not forgotten his roots.
After starring for the Tangerines on Friday, he headed to Glasgow the next night to be guest of honour at a fundraiser for former club Queen’s Park.
Robertson helped boost the Spiders’ youth programme by handing over a signed United top that was auctioned off.