FORMER Dundee winger Jim McAlister has joined Blackpool on an initial two-year deal after departing Dens Park.

The 29-year-old impressed Seasiders manager Neil McDonald in recent friendlies against Ross County, St Johnstone and Morecambe.

McAlister, who was not offered fresh terms at Dundee earlier this summer, was the victim of a bite from Nadir Ciftci in the Dundee derby at the end of last season that landed the new Celtic striker a six-game ban.

The midfielder has the option of a third year at the English League One outfit and joins fellow countrymen Clark Robertson and John Herron at the club.

McAlister said: "Blackpool were up in Scotland last week and I managed to spend a full week training with the boys, playing a part in a couple of games.

"I'm seeking a fresh challenge and thankfully I've been given the opportunity to come here. I'm really, really looking forward to getting started."

McAlister has also been reunited with former Dundee team-mate Kyle Letheren south of the border.

He added: "I spoke to Kyle Letheren before I met up with the boys up in Scotland last week and he had nothing but good things to say about the whole place in general, from the manager, through to the squad and the stadium.

"That whetted my appetite a wee bit to try and get a deal here."