Sam McClelland takes on Andriy Yarmolenko during a friendly between Northern Ireland and Ukraine in 2021
Northern Ireland international Sam McClelland has joined Scottish Championship leaders Dundee United on loan until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old has struggled to nail down a regular starting place at parent club St Johnstone after joining the Scottish Premiership side from Chelsea in August.
McClelland said: "When you hear of a massive club like Dundee United showing interest, your main focus just becomes about getting it over the line.
“We know what the objective is this season - to get the club back into the Premiership. That is something I was desperate to be a part of and I want to come here and be successful."
McClelland joined Chelsea from Coleraine as a 16-year-old in 2018. His sole Northern Ireland cap in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Ukraine in June 2021. He spent last season on loan from Stamford Bridge at League Two club Barrow, making 27 league appearances.
United boss Jim Goodwin said: "We felt we were a little short in this particular area of the park so I'm pleased to secure Sam's services until the end of the season.
"He's someone with a fantastic pedigree at such a young age, having spent his youth career with Chelsea and been in and around Northern Ireland's first-team set-up.
"A spell with Barrow in the EFL also proved his credentials in the senior game.
"Not only does it give us cover in the backline, but I have no doubts he will greatly enhance the group overall."
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