Aliyev follows Semin back to Dynamo

Ukrainian international Olexandr Aliyev has returned to FC Dynamo Kyiv after one season at FC Lokomotiv Moskva.

The midfielder, 26, has signed a three-year contract at the club where he spent a decade prior to his switch to the Russian Premier-Liga. "I am delighted to rejoin Dynamo and play in Yuri Semin's team," said Aliyev, who was re-signed just before the Ukrainian transfer window closed. "I will try to make my mark as soon as possible."

Aliyev was a key figure for Lokomotiv last term, with his 14 goals in 25 Premier-Liga games being the second highest haul in Russia's top flight. However, after coach Semin departed the Railway Boys for Dynamo at the end of 2010, speculation was high that Aliyev would follow his boss to Ukraine.

He could make his second debut for Dynamo on Saturday when the club resume their Ukrainian Premier League campaign at FC Metalurh Donetsk, yet he is ineligible for the UEFA Europa League. Dynamo meet Manchester City FC in the round of 16 on 10 and 17 March, with the first leg at home.

Capped 19 times by Ukraine, Aliyev is integral to his country's plans for next summer's UEFA EURO 2012 tournament on home soil.