Last updated on .From the section Dundee Utd

Robbie Neilson won the Championship title with Hearts

Robbie Neilson is "confident" he can win promotion after being appointed Dundee United head coach on a deal until the end of next season.

The 38-year-old replaces Csaba Laszlo at the club, who are fourth in the Scottish Championship.

Neilson led Hearts to the Premiership in 2015 and joined MK Dons in late 2016, leaving in January this year.

He had a short stint at Tannadice as a player during the 2011-12 season after earlier spells at Hearts and Leicester.

The former Scotland defender also spoke to Partick Thistle about their vacant manager's position.

Hungarian Laszlo "mutually agreed" to leave his post with United after 44 games in charge following a 5-1 thrashing by Ross County.

"It is an exciting opportunity at a great club and I am confident that I can lead Dundee United back to the Premiership," Neilson told the Dundee United website. external-link

"This is the perfect challenge for me at a club I know well and I am looking forward to meeting the coaching staff and players tomorrow and getting straight to work ahead of Saturday's match at Partick Thistle."

United are eight points behind Championship leaders Ayr United, having been relegated in 2016.

Chairman Mike Martin added: "I am delighted that Robbie has agreed to become head coach at Dundee United. From a long list of impressive applications, he was the outstanding candidate.

"We were convinced by his track record and experience, his style and approach to coaching and management and his plans and vision for this club."