Imps manager Michael Appleton believes the permanent addition of TJ Eyoma to his squad gives him greater options when it comes to matchdays.
The defender agreed a move from Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday, with the 21-year-old opting to rejoin the Imps - for whom he made more than 50 appearances on loan last season - despite interest from other clubs in the division.
The contracts were signed in time for Eyoma to be introduced to a packed LNER Stadium prior to the game against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday evening.
Appleton said: "He gives us options and is a durable character. He never picked too many injuries, if any, when here. He trains every day and makes himself every game and gives us options.
"We're delighted because there were a few others interested, but the work we put in with him last season clearly helped."
The Imps suffered their first league defeat of the season with a 1-0 loss to Bolton - a tight match which could easily have gone either way.
Appleton added: "There are going to be a lot of teams who really contest matches this season, I thought we were well worthy in the first half and we both had a couple of opportunities in the second half.
"It could have gone either way and it was a game of very fine margins, they took their opportunity when it came but there were things that were pleasing to take forward."
