Terrors sign midfielder

Dundee United have completed the signing of Sligo Rovers midfielder Richie Ryan on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 26-year-old will be available for selection from January after spending the past three years in Ireland.

He originally began his career at Sunderland and followed it with spells at Scunthorpe Unitd, Boston United and Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

"Richie is a different type of midfielder to those already at the club," manager Peter Houston told BBC Scotland. "He is more of a sitting, defensive player who is strong in the tackle and can pass the ball. He is left-footed as well which adds to the balance of our midfield.

"Having played well in excess of 40 games this season for Sligo, he will now head home for a well-earned break before returning to training with us in mid-December with a view to making an impact on our squad in January."

Ryan was himself naturally delighted with the move and added: "It's nice to know my future is here at Tannadice for at least the next couple of years and I'm looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"With the number of Irish lads already at the club, it'll be a little bit easier for me to settle in."

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