Dundee United have completed the signing of Billy Dodds from Rangers.

The striker has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with United, which will begin on Wednesday, when the transfer window re-opens.

The veteran striker's return to Tannadice has been the subject of speculation for months now.

But after Dodds and Rangers came to an agreement regarding a pay-off, the deal was concluded.

That means United should be able to have the 33-year-old registered as a Dundee United player on Wednesday morning, allowing him to play against Kilmarnock on Thursday.

I will be doing my best to help get United back to where they belong Billy Dodds

Dodds was clearly overjoyed to be given the chance of first-team football again.

"I'm delighted to be back as I think I played the best part of my career here," he said.

"I had a good relationship with the fans at Tannadice and hopefully I can repay everyone's faith.

"The chairman and manager worked hard to get this deal to go through and it certainly gives you a lift to know that you are wanted.

"I will be doing my best to help get United back to where they belong."

Dodds admitted he had turned down several offers to move during his time at Ibrox, but insisted that the chance to team up again with his former boss at Aberdeen, Paul Hegarty, had been an easy one to take.

Dodds left Tannadice in 1999 for Rangers in a �1.3m deal, but after a good start to his Ibrox career, the former Scotland international fell out of favour and saw little action under Alex McLeish.

The little striker will now be asked to provide the goals to help United avoid relegation to the First Division.