Gary Harkins has acknowledged that he could not resist the chance to return to Dundee for a third spell at the club.

The midfielder agreed last week to cancel his contract at St Mirren and yesterday signed a two-year deal at Dens Park.

He has become the ninth new player to join Paul Hartley's squad this summer but is most the likely the one who knows his way around the club the best. Harkins first joined Dundee in 2009 and returned briefly last year following a spell with Kilmarnock, who yesterday signed Paul Cairney from Hibernian on a two-year contract.

His return yesterday felt just as significant since the Dens Park side will begin the new campaign back in the top flight. "I'm delighted to be here again. I only signed my release papers on Friday and got a phone call the other day," said Harkins, who was also wanted by English side Oldham Athletic.

"The offer here was too good to refuse. It feels like home already and I don't know what it is about Dundee - I just love the place."