By Ian Roache

WILLO FLOOD believes he is rejoining a Dundee United side that is poised to secure silverware.

The popular Irishman, who reported back to Tannadice yesterday to formalise another year-long loan from Cardiff City, was a star in the Tangerines’ team that was a stray pass away from beating Rangers in the CIS Cup final.

A moment of madness from now Aberdeen midfielder Mark Kerr let United’s nemesis Kris Boyd in to equalise with just five minutes of that Hampden game to go.

Despite taking the lead again in extra-time, Flood and his team-mates went on to lose a penalty shoot-out, with Boyd scoring the winning spot-kick.

The fact that Flood himself had an outstanding match was of scant consolation to the little midfielder but he is confident the ghosts of that March day can be exorcised during his second spell at the club.

“I always felt there was a chance I could come back,” he said. “I feel like I have a bit of unfinished business here, especially after missing out on the CIS Cup.

“We played so well that day and were so close to lifting the trophy.

“But I think there is a cup to be won by United sooner or later and I am hoping it will be this season.”

The closing weeks of the campaign were a bit flat for the Tangerines, who finished in fifth spot and as a result missed out on a UEFA Cup place.

However, Flood (23) foresees better times in the SPL as well as the knock-out competitions.

“If we can get a bit more consistency then I think we can make an impact on the league as well,” he added.

“After the split last season we didn’t win enough games, but we have more experience now and I think this is an improving side.

“Personally, I feel I have more to give this season, especially in front of goal, so the aim is to do better than we did last year.

“I want to find the net more often and that is something I am going to work on in training a lot more,” added the player who got the goal of the season award for his strike against St Mirren at Love Street.

United chairman Eddie Thompson put together a lucrative package to persuade Cardiff to allow Flood back to Scotland and the player admitted it is nice to feel wanted.

“It was great to hear the manager and the chairman say how much they hoped I would be coming back,” admitted Flood.

“It is good for getting confidence and when you are confident you play better football.

“The boys here have a lot of affection for the chairman.

“He loves the club and I think we show on the pitch that we give our all for him, the manager and the fans.”

Flood revealed that a desire to keep learning under Levein’s tutelage was crucial in his decision to return.

“Working for the manager again was the main factor in my wanting to come back,” he said.

“He showed great faith in me when I wasn’t playing well at the start of last season and when you meet someone like that you want to play for them.

“Also, I like Scottish football because teams like to get it down and play a bit more than they do in the Championship—and that suits my game.”

Levein watched Flood improve steadily as last season progressed and was delighted to get him back on board.

“After a slow start he went on to be a really important player for us and I think this season we will see even more improvement,” said Levein.

“The thing about him is that I think people under- estimate him because of his size, but he has the heart of a lion and that is why the fans like him.

“He goes out against guys twice his size but nobody can match him for guts and determination. That is the way he is and he will always be like that.

“To be honest I didn’t think I had a chance of getting him back.

“I was playing the whole thing down because I feared that somebody else would come in and take him.

“But the chairman worked hard to put things together and I am thrilled.”