mkdons.com takes a closer look at new signing Robbie Muirhead...
Muirhead began his career with Kilmarnock but the Irvine-born attacker was enjoying success even before his time with Killie, captaining East Ayrshire Primary to Scottish Primary Cup success in 2008.
The youngster continued to shine after joining the Kilmarnock Academy set-up and his performances earned him regular call-ups to the Scotland youth sides.
In June 2012, he scored four goals in Scotland’s 7-1 win over AC Milan in the Besov Cup. He then made the step up to the Under-17s, continuing his goalscoring form by scoring six goals in seven appearances during the 2012/13 season.
Then came Muirhead’s chance with the Kilmarnock first-team – in May 2013, he made his senior debut as a 60th-minute substitute in Scottish Premiership clash with St. Mirren.
The following campaign proved to be the versatile forward’s break-out campaign as he made 21 appearances top-flight appearances and scored two goals, including a 90th-minute equaliser away at Partick Thistle.
He started the 2014/15 season in terrific fashion, scoring twice in the first month of the season. As well as playing regularly for Killie, Muirhead earned four international caps for Scotland Under-19s before the New Year and also got on the scoresheet twice – one of those being a sensational 40-yard strike against Holland which was shortlisted for Goal of the Year by UEFA.
The youngster continued to shine after joining the Kilmarnock Academy set-up and his performances earned him regular call-ups to the Scotland youth sides.
In June 2012, he scored four goals in Scotland’s 7-1 win over AC Milan in the Besov Cup. He then made the step up to the Under-17s, continuing his goalscoring form by scoring six goals in seven appearances during the 2012/13 season.
Then came Muirhead’s chance with the Kilmarnock first-team – in May 2013, he made his senior debut as a 60th-minute substitute in Scottish Premiership clash with St. Mirren.
The following campaign proved to be the versatile forward’s break-out campaign as he made 21 appearances top-flight appearances and scored two goals, including a 90th-minute equaliser away at Partick Thistle.
He started the 2014/15 season in terrific fashion, scoring twice in the first month of the season. As well as playing regularly for Killie, Muirhead earned four international caps for Scotland Under-19s before the New Year and also got on the scoresheet twice – one of those being a sensational 40-yard strike against Holland which was shortlisted for Goal of the Year by UEFA.
After signing him for the second time this season, Neilson will be hoping to see similar showings from his new forward at Stadium MK.
Muirhead established himself as a key member of the Hearts side during the first half of this season. In Neilson’s final match in charge – a 2-0 win over Rangers – it was the 20-year-old who scored both the goals either side of half-time.
The 6ft 3in forward then returned to Dundee, who had changed their manager during his time away. He left Tannadice Park at the end of the 2015/16 season and signed a one-year deal with Heart of Midlothian, managed by now-Dons boss Robbie Neilson.
Muirhead joined Partick Thistle on loan at the start of the following season and made eight appearances for the Jags. His stand-out performance came in a 5-2 triumph over his former club Kilmarnock, where he scored twice in the space of just 13 minutes.
In January 2015, Dundee United signed the then 18-year-old for a reported £150,000. He scored twice for the Tangerines before the end of the campaign, helping them to a fifth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership.
