Dundee United snap up James Keatings from Hibernian

Dundee United have secured the summer signing of Hibernian forward James Keatings on the eve of their play-off opener.

United have announced the 25-year-old has signed a pre-contract agreement to join them in the close season.

Keatings scored eight goals this term to help Hibs to the Championship title and had an offer on the table to stay, but with 14 of his 30 appearances this season coming off the bench, he has moved on in a bid for more regular starts and more games in his preferred role as central striker.

He told United's website: "I look forward to joining Dundee United. I have enjoyed playing at Tannadice, and I know I am joining a fantastic club with a great reputation who are set up to be in the Premiership. My goal is to be scoring in the Premiership for United whether it is next season or beyond.''

The former Celtic, Hamilton and Hearts player has secured three promotions in four seasons but has not featured in the top flight since a loan spell with St Johnstone in 2012.

He could yet do that with United this season but they will have to come through three ties starting with their clash against Morton, who host United in the first leg of the play-off quarter-finals on Tuesday.

United boss Ray McKinnon feels his players are in good shape ahead of their latest Cappielow trip, three days after they drew 1-1 there in their final Championship match of the season.

McKinnon, who is without the injured Scott Fraser and Lewis Toshney, said: "I think the players realise there is nothing to fear. If we're at our best then we'll be difficult to beat. So that's the focus going into these games, just making sure we are at our best.

"We went down there on Saturday and played extremely well and we need to do the same again.

"They need to perform at their best and they need to show discipline as well. It's not win or bust, it's about making sure you are in control of your game and in control of your emotions. We have had a chat about that and I think the players totally grasp that.''

United finished 14 points behind champions Hibs in third after winning only four league games in 2017 but they are unbeaten in their last six and McKinnon has been encouraged by that run.

"I think leading into these play-offs, we are the form side,'' the former Raith Rovers boss said.

"We should have won the last six games, we have created enough chances to win the six games, which is a real positive for us. We did the same on Saturday. We have hit the woodwork five or six times.

"So it's important to make sure we realise we are in good form. We haven't had the just rewards in these six games but we go into the games in the right frame of mind.''