Dundee sign Sheffield United midfielder Stephen McGinn on loan

Dundee boss Paul Hartley has hailed new loan signing Stephen McGinn as someone who will give the Dark Blues a different dimension in the second half of the season.

Hartley had already expressed a wish to strengthen his squad before the January transfer window closes and he has done just that after agreeing a loan deal with Sheffield United for the talented midfielder until May.

“I’m very happy to have Stephen at the club,” Hartley said.

“He will give us something different and he’s a player I’ve been impressed with every time I have seen him play.”

Brother of current Dundee player Paul, the 26-year-old came through the ranks at St Mirren where he played over 70 times before moving down south to join Watford.

During his three years with Watford he played over 40 times for the English Championship side before he moved to Sheffield United in the summer of 2013.

He has fallen slightly out of favour with the Blades of late though, with manager Nigel Clough suggesting that a loan move would be ideal for the Scot provided it suited all parties.

That sparked interest from several clubs, but Hartley and Dundee have convinced McGinn that a return north of the border was for him.