Valletta part with O'Brien

Irish striker Declan O'Brien has had his contract with Valletta terminated by mutual consent.

Signed as a replacement for Dutch forward Geert den Ouden in the January transfer window, O'Brien failed to hold down a regular place but still managed to score six goals for Valletta in the league.

O'Brien, who had a short spell with Irish club St Patrick's before joining Valletta, is expected to leave the islands on Thursday after reaching an agreement with club president Victor Sciriha to cancel the final month of his contract.

O'Brien will be considered for selection for Valletta's final league match against champions Birkirkara tomorrow evening.

News that O'Brien is leaving the Citizens comes amid increasing talk that Valletta will overhaul their squad in the summer.

Coach Ton Caanen has already announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season and defender Luke Dimech is unlikely to wear the City shirt after being suspended by the club following his sending-off in the 2-0 win over Sliema Wanderers.