New signing set for debut

New signing Robbie Neilson should make his debut against his former club as Hearts come to Tannadice this weekend.

The 31-year-old has joined the Tangerines for the rest of the season following his release by Leicester City at the end of the last campaign.

He could be partnered in defence by Sean Dillon, who has overcome a calf injury. But Danny Swanson (knee) and Scott Severin (broken leg) are still on the sidelines.

"It's a great one to start with. There are not many boys left there from when I played, but I know a lot of the backroom staff," Neilson told BBC Scotland. "At the moment I think Hearts are blowing hot and cold. Hopefully, we get them on a cold day.

"Our team are in the bottom six just now, but it's hopefully onwards and upwards and I can help," he added. "It's a great squad and I think we've got potential to get back up there."

Hearts manager Paulo Sergio is banned from the dug-out after receiving a five-game ban from the Scottish FA for clashing with referee Alan Muir during their recent league meeting with Kilmarnock at Tynecastle.

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