Arnaud Djoum ready to seize Dundee United chance as midfielder reflects on 'best' Hearts spell

New Dundee United signing Arnaud Djoum insists he's ready to take the bull by the horns at Tannadice - to show that he hasn't slowed up from the performances he previously showed at Hearts.

Djoum, who has 28 caps for Cameroon after making his international debut whilst on the books at Tynecastle, became a fans favourite for his superb performances in the middle of the park, dragging Hearts into the top six every season that he completed in the capital.

Since leaving Gorgie, Djoum has embarked on a career that saw him move to Saudi Arabia for two years, before heading to Apollon Limassol in Cyprus at the start of last season. But failure to properly impress in the Middle East and an injury-hit stay in the Mediterranean has seen his stock decline. But with Djoum set to make his second outing in the Scottish Premiership - this time for the Tangerines - he insists is ready to show that he is still the real deal.

"I had great times at Hearts, that was the best period of my career, so when the chance came to come back to Scotland I was really happy," he said. "Scottish football suits me really well so I didn't have to think too hard about it.

"I was a free agent because I terminated my contract at Apollon Limassol. United wanted to see how I was physically so I came here and showed them I was ready. I am someone who likes to take care of my body and is always fit. I think after a few days they knew I was in good condition. I feel good physically."

Djoum left Hearts three years ago to join Al-Raed, much to the dismay of the Jambos faithful. But whilst he enjoyed his first stint in Scotland, he was equally happy with the way his time in Saudi Arabia panned out.

"Saudi was good," he continued. "I played all the games and it