Neilson set for United and potential debut versus Hearts

Robbie Neilson will sign for Dundee United today – and could be set for his debut against old club Hearts this weekend.

The former Tynecastle defender is poised to kick-start his career with the Tangerines after manager Peter Houston agreed a deal to bring him to Tannadice until the end of the season.

Neilson, 31, made 200 appearances for Hearts during the Craig Levein era, during which the Edinburgh side finished third top in the SPL in back-to-back seasons.

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In 2009, he was lured south to Leicester City, where he spent two seasons before having a recent loan spell at Brentford.

The one-time capped Scotland full-back had offers to remain in England, but has decided to return north of the border, where he is in line for a baptism of fire against the crisis-hit Tynecastle at Tannadice in Saturday’s SPL clash.

Houston said: “We’ve agreed terms and Robbie will sign on Tuesday until the end of the season. It’s with a view that if he comes in and does well, then I’d be looking to keep him on for next season. He brings great experience and will be in the squad for Saturday’s game against Hearts, where he played for a good number of years.

“Robbie is a good player and I know for sure what we’re going to get from him. He can cover a number of positions, so he can fill anywhere in the back-four.

“Sean Dillon has been out for nine weeks and although he’s back training with the first-team, it’s difficult to pitch him straight back in.

“Robbie has been playing some bounce games with Burton Albion because he still has a house in the Leicester area. He is at the stage where he just wants to get back playing. He’s had offers from English clubs, but wants to come back to Scotland and sign for Dundee United.”

Houston has known Glasgow-born Neilson since being his youth coach at Hearts. He says his new recruit is made of the right stuff to make his mark on Tayside as United gear up for a trio of crunch games against Hearts, Motherwell and Celtic in the coming weeks.

Houston said: “Robbie’s the right type. He’s got a great attitude to the game, served Hearts exceptionally well for years and he’s one I had as youth coach. I used to take him from Glasgow to Edinburgh every day for training. He’s fit enough to play right away – no doubt about it. He’s always been naturally fit and always looked after his body.”