Vancouver signs Scotland midfielder Robson as DP

Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC's second season in MLS should be much better than their expansion year.

Vancouver acquired Scotland international midfielder Barry Robson on Thursday as the club's newest Designated Player, and he will join the club this summer pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and Visa.

The 33-year-old Robson, who has made 16 appearances for Scotland, will finish the 2011-12 season with English Championship side Middlesbrough, then join the Whitecaps in July.

"Barry has been a proven playmaker at the highest levels of the game for both club and country," said Whitecaps FC coach Martin Rennie. "He is a versatile box-to-box midfielder that can play in several positions, with the ability to create and score goals. Barry will be a great addition to our squad."

Robson has eight goals and four assists in 26 appearances in all competitions for Middlesbrough this season. In 77 games with the club, he has 18 goals and 16 assists.

Before joining Middlesbrough, Robson played for Celtic from 2008-10 and scored seven goals in 55 games in all competitions. He has also played in Scotland at Dundee United, Forfar Athletic, and Inverness.

"I am very excited to be joining Whitecaps FC and to continue my career in Major League Soccer," said Robson. "I am impressed by the quality of MLS and Vancouver as a club."

Vancouver finished tied for the lowest point total in its first season in MLS, but Robson will join Eric Hassli as a DP as the squad tries to improve in its second season.

Per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.