Dundee United will throw striker Francisco Sandaza straight back into the team against Celtic and manager Craig Levein hopes he can be the scourge of the Hoops once more.

The former Valencia B player has an impressive record against Gordon Strachan's men, having scored three of his 10 goals against them.

Levein, who had to field youngsters Andis Shala and David Goodwillie against Aberdeen last week, said: "Fran has trained for two days now so he'll be fine for Celtic.

Sandaza has been missing recently with a hamstring injury and was even sent over to Spain for rehabilitation at the Mestalla with his old physio in a bid to get him fit for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League run-in.

With United embroiled in a battle with Hearts for third place and a berth in next season's Europa League, Levein is delighted to have his top marksman available once more and is backing him to keep his big-game form going.

Levein added: "Getting him back is a great boost for the team because, although I thought the two young kids did well against Aberdeen, he's one of our more experienced strikers.

"Added to that he's got a good scoring record in these games - he has scored three against Celtic already - so we're delighted to have him available.

"We've also got Lee Wilkie back from suspension so that's a big bonus."