Dundee Utd 'guaranteed' to avoid relegation - Darren Jackson

United were denied a crucial win by a last-gasp Inverness equaliser

Darren Jackson believes Dundee United are "guaranteed" to avoid relegation from the Premiership this season.

United are seven points adrift at the foot of the table, having won just two league fixtures this season.

But Jackson - who was part of former United manager Jackie McNamara's backroom team at Tannadice - is adamant they can escape the drop.

"I think they'll stay up. I would guarantee they'll get out the situation," Jackson said.

United were denied a crucial victory on Saturday when Inverness snatched a last-gasp equaliser in a 2-2 draw in the Highlands.

Speaking on Sportscene, Jackson pointed to the players missing through injury as the main reason for United's struggles this season, and feels once they return Mixu Paatelainen's side will start to climb the table.

"Mixu's brought in a couple of players which he hopes can improve the squad. We thought we had a good squad.

"We thought we made good signings, but at the start of the season when you lost Paul Paton, you lost Ryan Dow, you lost Chris Erskine, you lost Callum Morris, we brought those players in to complement the players we had there.

"The players that are out are experienced players. Morris will get himself more fitness, Erskine will get fitter, Dow was a big player for us and Paton was a big player. "

"Once they're back I've got no doubt they'll get out the situation."