Valletta sign Irish striker O'Brien

Valletta yesterday completed the signing of Declan O'Brien.

The Irish striker, who was a free agent after his loan deal with St Patrick's expired last month, has signed a one-and-a-half-year contract with Valletta.

The 29-year-old came to Valletta's attention after scoring the two goals that helped Irish side St Patrick's reach the third qualifying round of the Europa League at the Citizens' expense.

Valletta have been in the market for a foreign striker after parting company with Dutch forward Geert den Ouden whose performances in the first four months of the season fell short of the club's expectations.

O'Brien had a training stint with Floriana last month but opted to join their fiercest rivals after Valletta made a bold bid to sign him.

Victor Sciriha, the Valletta president, presented O'Brien to the City fans during a rally yesterday. The former Drogheda United frontman must wait until January to make his Valletta debut.