'How far can this United squad go?'

Sitting fourth in the Premiership, Dundee United have been rightly lauded for the start they have made to the season.

Impressive indeed - but what has made it even more so is the fact they have done so well without a number of key players.

Jim Goodwin hasn't been able to call on the likes of Ross Docherty, Louis Moult, Craig Sibbald and Ross Graham for long spells.

Moult scored 20 goals last season and it is not unreasonable to presume United would be sitting even prettier if the prolific striker had been fully fit and firing this time round.

While Sibbald (groin) still faces a lengthy spell out, the other three are nearing a return.

It says a lot about the group that Goodwin has assembled that they have been able to adapt and make do to cover the high-profile absences.

The United fans will be thrilled with how things are going, but it does beg the question - with everyone available, how far can this United squad go?

No one will be more desperate to get the chance to try and answer that question than Goodwin as his side look to take their strong form into the busy festive period.