Toronto FC's Richard Eckersley, right, and Real Esteli FC's Manuel Rosas battle for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Champions League soccer match in TorontoThe Canadian Press
Toronto FC has signed defender Richard Eckersley, who had previously been on loan to the MLS team from England's Burnley.
The 22-year-old Eckersley joined Toronto last April and saw action in 23 matches, starting 22 of them.
"Signing Richard was a very high off-season priority, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure he would be returning," Toronto FC head coach Aron Winter said in a statement Thursday. "This signing represents another successful step in our off-season progress as a club. Richard is an important player for our club."
Eckersley began his youth career at Manchester United and made two appearances with the senior side. He was also part of Manchester United's League Cup-winning side against Tottenham in March 2009.
Eckersley signed a four-year contract with Burnley in July 2009 and went on separate loan deals to Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City and Bury before coming to Canada.