Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen has signed defender Gavin Gunning ahead of Saturday's Ladbrokes Premiership game with St Johnstone.
The central defender made 99 appearances for the Tannadice club between 2011 and 2014 before spells with Birmingham City and Oldham.
The 24-year-old Irishman, who began his career at Blackburn and had a loan stint with Motherwell, has put pen to paper with United after impressing in training.
Paatelainen told the club website: "Gavin is a very powerful player. He is a solid defender who shows great aggression. He is good in the air and also on the ball.
"He will strengthen us footballing wise but he is also a great addition to our changing room. He is not a quiet boy, that’s for sure, and when he is around there is always plenty of laughter.”
Gunning added: "I like the fact the head coach is a straight talker and doesn’t take any nonsense. He is what the club needs at the moment and I can play my part also. I feel as if I am ready to play straight away but it will be up to the gaffer whether I am selected or not.”
