Michael O'Connor has left Linfield to sign a permanent deal with Waterford for the remainder of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign.

The former Shamrock Rovers and Finn Harps striker was on loan at the RSC from Linfield for the latter half of the 2019 season, scoring 4 goals in 13 appearances.

O'Connor was injured during the Blues 2-1 win over Shamrock Rovers II in a warm-up match earlier this month but is expected to be back in action in the coming weeks at the club he feels is the right fit for him.

"A couple of months ago I thought we wouldn’t return and I was disappointed to be departing as I felt things were beginning to click, both for me and the team," O'Connor told WaterfordFC.ie.

"But with the return to league action here, I was only too delighted to get the call and didn’t hesitate in signing up for the rest of the season.

"I took a knock against Rovers but I’ve recovered well and have been hitting the gym, focused on getting back. Hopefully, by the end of the week, I’ll be back to full training."

Waterford manager John Sheridan, who was appointed as successor to former boss Alan Reynolds earlier this month, has no concerns over the 21-year-old centre-forward's fitness.

"Michael is a great lad, full of enthusiasm and just enjoys his football," said Sheridan.

"Same in training, always upbeat. I was concerned for him after his injury but he’s bounced back and he seems keen to get back."

The south-coast club will be hoping to build on a decent start to the season in which they won two and lost two to sit in sixth place in the table on six points.

They return to action this Saturday with a trip to the capital city to face Shelbourne (k/o: 2PM).