Friday 23 January 2015 16:01, UK
Dundee United have signed Australia international defender Ryan McGowan on an 18-month contract.
The 25-year-old has been playing for Shandong Luneng Taishan in the Chinese Superleague for the last two years after leaving Hearts in July 2013 - he spent seven years with the Tynecastle club.
McGowan made a total of 71 appearances for the Jambos, including the 5-1 victory over Hibs in the 2012 Scottish Cup final.
He has played 12 times for Australia and featured for the Socceroos in the World Cup in Brazil last summer.
United manager Jackie McNamara told the club’s official website: “Ryan is a tough, strong and excellent footballer who will improve us defensively. He is a big lad who is strong in the air and this will impact in both defensive and attacking scenarios. He is a strong personality which is important for me.
“I am delighted to be able to bring him to United because other clubs were after him. Players see our club as a great place to show off their talent and enjoy playing football. This signing makes us stronger defensively and that was something I was keen to address in this transfer window.”
McGowan said: “It is great to be back in the Scottish Premiership and I am excited about the challenge of being a Dundee United player. When I moved to Shandong Luneng Taishan, I believed I would return to Scottish football one day and for it to be here at Tannadice is fantastic.
“My time in China was a great experience but I look at what we can achieve here at Dundee United this season and I want to play a part in helping the club reach its goals.”
