Cooper happy with Tannadice talk

Cooper is pushing for a play-off spot with Hartlepool

Hartlepool manager Neale Cooper is "flattered" to be linked with SPL strugglers Dundee United.

United, who are bottom of the Scottish top flight, are searching for a man to replace the recently sacked Ian McCall.

"It's flattering," Cooper told BBC Sport. "They've had their problems this season but United are still a big club.

"I've had no contact from United and I'm happy at Hartlepool. I'm under a short-term contract but we'll just have to wait and see what happens."

Cooper joined the English League One side in June 2003 and guided them to the play-offs in his first season.

And Hartlepool are well-placed to challenge for promotion again this term.

"My children still live up north and I miss them," added Cooper, who helped Aberdeen win the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup.

"But I was thinking of football when I moved."

Cooper led Ross County to successive promotions from the Scottish Third Division to Division One.

However, he stepped down from his role at the Highland club in November 2002 after a run of just one win in 11 games.

Cooper is best known for his playing days at Aberdeen but also turned out for Aston Villa, Rangers, Reading and Dunfermline.