He’s not signed McPake’s place

and hopefully we can pick it up again.”

He added: “I do believe Hearts are the favourites (for the Championship title) with what they’ve got, their infrastructure and where they are as a club.

“Ann Budge (Hearts owner) has spent a lot of money.

“But we’ve got guys like (Graham) Dorrans and Fin Robertson – he’s a tremendous young player.

“Hopefully I can come in and help them. It’s a great opportunity for me.”

The ex-Rangers, Blackpool and Stoke man was in the Dark Blues’ youth set-up from 1999 to 2003 before heading to the Ibrox club as a 17-year-old.

But he has always expressed a desire to return.

Adam said: “It’s always been there and fortunately I got to play two testimonials.

“It’s hard to turn down. The heart strings got pulled a little bit and it’s an opportunity to come home and play.

“But I’m coming to do as well as I can and I think I can contribute at the top level and hopefully that’ll be getting promoted to the Premiership.”

Meanwhile, Dee boss McPake praised Dens chiefs Tim Keyes and John Nelms after securing Adam’s signature.

The Dark Blues gaffer – whose squad have taken pay cuts to help Dee bounce back from financial hardship caused by the football shutdown – says the deal is right for both parties.

He said: “It’s huge for the football club.

“It’s one we’ve spoken about for the best part of a month now, one that’s been rumoured ever since I’ve been at the club.

“He’s not here because he’s a Dundee fan and it’s not a last hurrah or whatever.

“Charlie’s here to improve our team and help our football club.

“We believe he’s still a very, very good player and he proved that last season in his appearances for Reading.

“He’s had a fantastic career and he’ll add to our squad which is already strong.

“A lot of hard work’s gone into it. Credit to John and Tim and the board, and to Charlie and the others involved in the deal.

“We did have to get creative because there are a lot of people at this football club that have made huge sacrifices.

“It had to be right for the football club and it is right for the football club, and we’ve got a fantastic footballer also.”

of speculation by finally penning a deal with Dundee.