Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara believes new signing Marcus Tornstrand will add bite to the heart of their defence.
The Tangerines have snapped up the former Swedish under-21 international until the end of the season to provide cover in the absence of the injured Gavin Gunning.
With Gunning out for the season with cruciate damage, McNamara has moved to add to his options for a crucial area of the team.
The 23-year-old ex-Hammarby player fits the bill and the Tannadice boss is expecting him to make his presence felt when he gets match fit.
Tonight’s trip to Inverness will come too soon for him but United are keen to get him up and running as soon as possible, thus enabling them to move striker Jon Daly back to his usual position.
McNamara confirmed: “We are signing Marcus until the end of the season.
“I just feel we are a bit short of defenders, which was emphasised by having to play big Jon at the back again against Hibs. We obviously miss him up front.
“We now need to get Marcus as fit as we can as quickly as possible. I think he will bring aggression in the middle of defence.
“He seems to be good in the air and looks athletic.”
McNamara added: “So he looks like he can talk as well, which is always a good thing.
“We are hoping he can bring a bit of solidity to the back four and help the lads until the end of the season.
“He’s not quite ready for a first-team game yet as it is still pre-season in Sweden just now and his last game was at the end of October but hopefully we will not be too far away from putting him in,” McNamara concluded.