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Cardiff City winger Willo Flood says the chance to play under Craig Levein again inspired him to accept another year's loan deal with Dundee United.

The 23-year-old Irishman returned to Tannadice for the first day of pre-season training and highlighted the United manager's importance.

"The gaffer was probably the main factor in coming back," he said.

"He showed great faith in me when I wasn't playing that well at the start of the season."

Flood helped United reach the CIS Insurance Cup final and finish fifth in the Scottish Premier League.

By the end of the season, he received much praise for his performances - and his only goal of the campaign, against St Mirren, was voted the SPL's best of the season.

"He knew that I could do the business for him," Flood said of Levein.

"When you have a manager who believes in you then you always want to play for him.

"You want to feel wanted by a club, that's when you play your best football. It's great to know that I'm wanted by the club.

"I showed last season that I could do the business and I'm hoping to do even better this year."

Levein was delighted to welcome the midfielder back to Tayside.

"It's a great signing for us," he said. "I'm thrilled.

"He missed pre-season training last season because his wife was expecting a baby and, after a relatively slow start, he improved right throughout the campaign in what was his first season playing first team football, week-in, week-out.

"I'm convinced that this season will see more improvement.

"He was settled in well with the rest of the players and he is comfortable, so I couldn't be any happier. It's a hugely important signing."

And Levein reserved special praise for chairman Eddie Thompson, a big fan of Flood, who played a key role in the protracted negotiations between United and Cardiff to keep the player.

MY SPORT: DEBATE Are United fans happy to see Flood return?

"It's taken us a long time and I really have to thank the chairman. He loves Willo as a player and the good thing is his wife, Mrs Thompson, loves him as well!" Levein joked.

"The chairman has been desperate for us to bring Willo back.

"And I think that comes from the fact he's a supporter and all the supporters have been saying to him that they thought Willo was excellent for us last year.