Aberdeen sign veteran Dundee midfielder Gavin Rae

Rae has joined Aberdeen after rejecting a move to their SPL rivals Hibs

Aberdeen have beaten Hibernian to complete the signing of Dundee midfielder Gavin Rae.

Rae's deal takes him to the end of season 2012/13, when he plans to emigrate to Australia.

The 34-year-old former Rangers and Cardiff player had caught the eye of Hibs boss Pat Fenlon.

But the former Scotland international said: "Between Hibs and Aberdeen, I was going to pick Aberdeen, because I'm from here and wanted to play for them."

Rae spoke with Hibs on Thursday and visited their training ground but now hopes to help Aberdeen continue their improved form.

"Hopefully I'll bring experience to the team," he said.

"I just want to be part of a strong squad. There are a lot of good young players here and hopefully with a good blend we can push on."

Unable to play for the Dark Blues at the weekend because of injury, Rae attended Aberdeen's 1-0 win over Dunfermline before completing his move.

Aberdeen chief executive Duncan Fraser told the club's website: "I have nothing but the highest praise for the way Dundee conducted themselves in this transfer.

"They were desperate to keep Gavin and pulled out all the stops to do so.

"But, when it was obvious he wanted to come to Aberdeen, they were first class in making sure there were no unnecessary delays."

Rae will join Stephen Hughes, the former Rangers, Norwich and Motherwell player, at Pittodrie.

His appearances for Dundee in the Scottish Cup mean he will miss the Dons' fifth-round home match against Queen of the South on Saturday 4 February, but manager Craig Brown thought he would be a valuable asset in the league.

"He will bolster the squad, which is badly needed, particularly in midfield," said Brown on Saturday.

"We are likely to lose [Kari] Arnason, and [Isaac] Osbourne and [Peter] Pawlett are still not fit.

"Considering we have lost our captain, Ricky Foster, Rob Milsom, Youl Mawene and these guys, you would think that could have been a disaster for us.

"But we have managed to rally the troops and get a few results."

Another player who might yet be secured in the January transfer window is striker Danny Uchechi - if the paperwork can be completed.

"We're unlikely to make any big, stellar signings but Danny Uchechi's here," said the former Scotland boss.

"We are trying to get a loan of him from Nigeria. We thought he was a free agent and we would be able to sign him at least until the end of the season, but there are problems trying to extract him from the Nigerian club [Dender].

"He is here and we hope he will be an Aberdeen player within the next few days. But that remains to be seen; that's administration."