Now I'm out of Boruc shadow at Celtic, says McGovern after Tannadice move

Goalkeeper Michael McGovern joined Dundee United from Celtic yesterday - then set his sights on giving the Tangerines a helping hand into Europe next season.

Craig Levein's men narrowly missed out on third place last term but, with the news that the SPL is to get an additional UEFA Cup spot, their hopes of returning to the European stage have already been enhanced.

McGovern has signed a one-year contract, with another new signing, Andis Shala, of German side VfR Mannheim, given a three-year deal.

Tangerine dream: former Celtic keeper Michael McGovern (left) joins forces with another new Dundee United signing, Andis Shala

The keeper has experienced high-profile Champions League action as part of the Parkhead club's travelling party but only ever got as far as the bench on those occasions.

The 23-year-old Northern Ireland international rejected the offer of a new deal from Celtic to pursue regular first-team action on Tayside.

He revealed: "Dundee United is perfect for me and the manager has made it clear he sees me challenging for the jersey. 'I have not come here to be a reserve. I'm looking to play games and establish myself in the side. I know it will be hard because Lukasz Zaluska is a good keeper but I'm ready for the challenge.

"United are one of the top teams in the country and were very unlucky to miss out on Europe last season.

"Hopefully, this season we'll be able to qualify for Europe because the squad is definitely good enough and there's an extra place. That's a huge incentive.

"I was on the bench for Celtic in the Nou Camp and travelled all over Europe in the Champions League."

Top stopper: Poland's Artur Boruc is the undisputed number one at Celtic

Although training with the likes of £10million-rated Artur Boruc proved a learning curve, he admits his education had reached the end of the road at Parkhead.

He said: "My contract was up and they offered me another one but I thought the time was right to try something new.

"It was very frustrating sometimes but I can understand why the boss wouldn't let me go out on loan because he needed three keepers for the Champions League.

"Working with Artur was fantastic. He's one of the top five keepers in the world and showed that in the Euro Championships."

Levein said: "Michael has a great education coming from Celtic and he's here to compete for the jersey with Lukasz.'"

He also revealed that it was the reaction of his own players after seeing 19-year- old striker Shala which helped convince him to pounce quickly following his trial.

He said: "Andis showed great ability and a fantastic attitude. He put himself about a bit and that had some of the other players coming up to me to ask: 'Who's this guy?'

"When players do that, it's a very positive signal."