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Scotland striker David Goodwillie is returning to Dundee United on a six-month loan from Blackburn Rovers.

The 24-year-old scored 40 goals in 136 games for United before moving to Ewood Park in a £2m switch in August 2011.

But Goodwillie made just 10 starts for Rovers last season and endured an unhappy loan stint at Crystal Palace.

"I am striving to improve Dundee United in both the short and long term and adding a player of David's quality will help," said manager Jackie McNamara.

Goodwillie scored in United's 2010 Scottish Cup final triumph and the centre forward has one international goal from three appearances.

He is under contract at Blackburn until 2015.

"I am very excited by this signing. We are not only getting an experienced international player but we are also getting someone who has a special affinity with the United fans," added McNamara on the

"This signing will also excite our supporters. We have asked them to be patient and trust us this summer and they have.

"A lot of hard work was done behind the scenes to ensure this deal went through and I have to praise the board who gave the financial backing to this deal."

Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer told his club's official website: "We are not pushing David out of the door.

"In the two years he has been at the club, he has not played as many games as he would have liked and this move presents him with the chance to play some regular football.

"It is an opportunity for him to go back home and play for the club he joined us from and where he made a name for himself.

"He will have family and friends around him and we expect him to find his feet very quickly.

"We look forward to welcoming him back in January once he has got some games - and hopefully some goals - under his belt."

Meanwhile, Sean Dillon will captain Dundee United next season, taking over from Jon Daly who has moved on to Rangers.

The 29-year-old Irish defender has been at Tannadice since 2007.