Source: FOOTYMAD
Rankin File
Peter Houston can see something in John Rankin that Colin Calderwood can't Dundee United have confirmed the signing of midfielder John Rankin on a two-year contract from SPL rivals Hibs. Rankin, who has also played for Inverness and Ross County, arrives at Tannadice as a free agent on the day David Robertson's departure to St Johnstone was confirmed. United boss Peter Houston said: "John is a player I have long admired and someone I believe can come in and add quality to the midfield area of our squad. He will add experience to the team as he not only received a good learning base in his four years at Manchester United but also has five years' experience of playing in the SPL with Inverness and Hibernian. His energy and drive, along with his desire to play football, made him an obvious target for me as I look to enhance the squad for next season." Rankin is the first signing as United seek to fill the holes left by Robertson and made by the imminent departures of out-of-contract trio Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben. Rankin joined Hibs in January 2008 but the 27-year-old has been a peripheral figure under Colin Calderwood and last played for him
