Liam Burns has joined Dundalk for a second time as the Lilywhites continue to build a squad for the new season.
The 33-year-old previously played with Dundalk in 2008 and 2009 and has had spells with Bohemians twice and Sligo Rovers in his time in Ireland.
The Belfast native is Dundalk’s tenth signing under new manager Séan McCaffrey.
Burns said: "I’m delighted to be back. When I got talking to Seán and I knew that Dundalk were interested, it didn’t take a lot for me to make up my mind.
"It’s good to be back and to see familiar faces around the ground. I’m just delighted to get back in training with the lads.
"The opportunity came up about a week or ten days ago. I arranged a meeting with Seán, and he told me what players he’s looking to bring in and what players he has here, and his ambitions for the future.
"I’ve always kept Dundalk close to me. I really enjoyed my two years here, and, as I say, it didn’t take long for me to make up my mind."
McCaffrey has hailed Burns as a "fantastic signing".
He said: "He’s a very experienced, successful player. He’s a good leader on the pitch, and those leadership and organisation abilities will be invaluable to us when we have so many young players. I’m delighted to get him.
"He’s a smashing fella. He always impressed me as a player with his ability on the pitch.
"But having met with him and spoken with other people that have worked with him, I think we’ve got a great signing."
McCaffrey has already snapped up Mark Griffin, Stephen McDonnell, Nathan Murphy, Eoghan Osborne, Derek Foran, Chris Shields, John Mountney, Shane O’Neill and Gary Shanahan for 2012.
