San Jose Earthquakes have persuaded Premier League side Tottenham to let midfielder Simon Dawkins return to the MLS on loan this season.

Last year the 24-year-old, who has yet to make a first-team appearance for the English side, featured in 26 matches for the Earthquakes, scoring six goals – something which delighted punters looking to bet on soccer games.

“It was one of our primary offseason goals to bring Simon back to San Jose, but we had to be patient,” Earthquakes general manager John Doyle said in a statement.

“In the end, that patience paid off. We liked what we saw out of Simon last year. He’s a versatile player who adds another dimension to our line-up and we’re excited for his return to the club.”

Dawkins played in central midfield before moving out to the left wing last year impressing on his debut with a superb goal against the Seattle Sounders. The announcement of his return to San Jose will surely make them one of the dark horse soccer betting tips in this year’s MLS season.

Head coach Frank Yallop guided the club to only eight victories in their 34 games last season when they failed to reach the play-offs but Dawkins’ return should prove to be a boost for the team.

Dawkins joined the Tottenham academy almost eight years ago but his only experience of first-team soccer in England came when he spent part of the 2008-09 season on loan at Leyton Orient, making 11 appearances for a side that plays in the third tier of English soccer.

Tottenham released Dawkins in June 2009 but, after trials with French side Strasbourg, Scottish giants Celtic and English club Bournemouth, he re-signed for Tottenham 11 months ago.

Last month he spent time on trial with FC Twente but was not handed a contract by the Dutch side.