The San Jose Earthquakes have signed Jamaican international midfielder Simon Dawkins as a designated player.

Dawkins, who spent spent two seasons on loan with the Earthquakes from 2011-12, arrives in San Jose after three years in England, where he spent the past two seasons with Derby County of the English Championship.

"We're delighted to welcome Simon back to San Jose," said general manager John Doyle said of the 28-year-old Dawkins. "He has a tremendous amount of experience in England as well as internationally. Simon is also proven player in Major League Soccer and helped the club win the Supporters' Shield in 2012. He will be a key part of our attack."