Micky Mellon welcomed Marc McNulty and challenged him to use Dundee United to blast himself back into the Scotland squad.
The 28-year-old, who has had previous spells at Livingston and Hibs, has joined on a season-long loan from English Championship side Reading.
McNulty has two caps and Mellon believes scoring goals again regularly in the Premiership could open the international door for him under Steve Clarke.
Mellon said: “I’m pleased that we’re going to be able to add another international footballer with the qualities that Marc has to the group in order to help us move forward to the Dundee United we all want to see.
“He’s definitely a step in the right direction for us to achieve that.
“The backing that we’ve got from the chairman (Mark Ogren) , in these times, to get it over the line is terrific.
“He’s helped us to bring another quality player to the group.
“Marc’s an international player so he’ll bring the qualities of a player who has played at the highest level.
“He’s pacey, clever and fantastic in the 18-yard box. You only have to look at his goals-per-game - he scores everywhere he’s been.
“We’re looking forward to getting him in and working with him with the rest of the group and, hopefully, pushing him as well towards getting back into the Scotland squad on a regular basis.”
