Simon Dawkins: Derby County sign midfielder from Tottenham

Midfielder Simon Dawkins has joined Derby County from Tottenham Hotspur on a two-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old originally joined the Rams in October on a three-month loan deal and has since scored three goals in 13 appearances.

Derby manager Steve McClaren said: "He's a player we like and I think he brings a lot to the team.

"He can create goals and, as we've seen, he can score them himself."

The attacking midfielder joined the Spurs academy in July 2004 and had previous loan spells at Leyton Orient, Strasbourg and San Jose Earthquakes in the MLS, where he scored 14 goals in 53 games.

He made his Premier League debut last season during a four-match loan spell with Aston Villa.

"Simon has done really well whilst on loan with us and he's made himself a regular fixture in our attacking line-up," added McClaren.

"During his three months with us Simon has proved his worth and we're delighted he's agreed to join us on a permanent basis."

"We think he'll only improve as he continues to play games and after just turning 26 we think his best years remain ahead of him."