Waterford sign John Kavanagh from Cork City on a six-month loan

Waterford have announced the signing of defender John Kavanagh on a short term loan from Cork City until the end of June.

The 23-year-old joined Cork City back in 2011 and made his senior debut in a Munster Senior Cup game against Rockmount in 2012.

He then went on to establish himself as a regular starter for City and in 2015 as a reward for his excellent form got a call up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad.

His football since then has been hugely interrupted by injuries and he continued his road to recovery by spending the second half of the 2017 season with neighbours Cobh Ramblers in the First Division.

Now fully fit again, Kavanagh will be looking to continue his progress and will hope to nail down a regular starting spot during his time with Waterford.

“Waterford is a great place to be at the minute,” Kavanagh told the club's website.

“Everyone can see that the club has added very well to what was already a strong squad.

“I am really looking forward to getting started. The RSC pitch and facilities are up there with the best in the league and everything points to the club being progressive on and off the field in 2018.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing down here in Waterford and with the help of the Blues’ fans we hope to make it a real fortress for the season ahead.”

Waterford boss Alan Reynolds added: “I’m pleased to have John on board for the 2018 season, as he is a defender who has the experience of already having played in the Premier Division.

“He has been a bit unlucky with injuries over the past couple of seasons but I’m sure that he’ll get back to his best to fulfil his potential.

“He is another young player who will give us options in defence and he will fit nicely into our squad ahead of the new season.”