The post was made permanent that summer but he last just eight league games before being sacked and he has been out of work since leaving his assistant manager's role at Polish outfit Lechia Gdansk back in March.

McCulloch started his career playing up front for Motherwell and Wigan but dropped deeper after moving to Ibrox in 2007, eventually finishing his career as a centre-back.

But Neilson – who has also agreed a six-month loan deal for Hibernian goalkeeper Ross Laidlaw – believes the 18-cap former Scotland international can help his frontmen find the goals that will help seal them promotion.

"When I came to the club, I stated that I wanted a strikers' coach working alongside me," said the United boss. "Lee has considerable experience at the various levels both within the domestic game and further afield, and I am delighted we have brought him in.

"As the role suggests he will focus primarily on work with the strikers, and he is an excellent addition to the coaching set-up here at Dundee United."

McCulloch added: "I am excited to be at Dundee United, working with Robbie. The club has very ambitious plans, and the first step in those plans is promotion to the Premiership.

"I am looking forward to getting back on the training field and working with the strikers and helping United achieve success."

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