The limelight has shown on mercurial midfield talents Zidane Iqbal and Lyall Cameron during Dundee United's highly encouraging start to the season.

But the part goalkeeper Jack Walton is playing for the team is just as important.

Walton had already demonstrated what he could do for United prior to his return to the club in the summer.

He cut an assured and composed figure between the sticks during two successful season-long loans at Tannadice from Luton Town in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.

That stability in goal was missing for United last term with Yevhen Kucherenko, Dave Richards and Ashley Maynard-Brewer all wearing the gloves during a frustrating campaign.

Walton's return - this time in a permanent move, a three-year deal from Preston - has brought much-needed dependability back to the rearguard and that seems to be radiating throughout the team, with United occupying sixth place after just one defeat in the past eight.

The Englishman has been an ever-present this season, conceding 16 goals in 11 Premiership appearances while his tally of three shutouts is bettered only by Rangers' Ivor Pandur and Falkirk's Scott Bain.

And at age 28 his best years are still set to come, which is good news for manager Jim Goodwin and United fans.