TOP DEC

Jim thrilled to bring a player of Gallagher's calibre to Championship team

- SCOTT BURNS

JIM GOODWIN did not expect to be able to bring in a player of the quality of Declan Gallagher to Dundee United this summer.

The United boss admitted it was a "no-brainer" when he knew that the former Scotland international had been made available by St Mirren.

Goodwin had shown Gallagher the door at Aberdeen but knows he is still a class above a side looking to win promotion from the Championship.

He said: "We are really pleased to get Dec on board, he's won two promotions from this league already so knows what it entails.

"I wasn't expecting to get a defender of his calibre at this time, so when he became available and it started to look like it would happen, it was a no-brainer.

"I worked with him at Aberdeen so I know what he's all about. He's a good character and a good type.