Waterford re-sign Ireland under-21 striker Michael O'Connor on loan from Linfield until the summer

Waterford have signed Ireland under-21 striker Michael O’Connor on loan from Linfield until the summer following a successful stint at the tail end of last season.

The 21-year-old scored six goals in 20 appearances for Alan Reynolds’ side after signing on loan from the Irish Premiership champions in July in a deal that saw Bastien Héry move in the other direction.

Dundalk native O’Connor had been subject to interest from Linfield’s title rivals Glentoran over Christmas but has opted instead to return to the RSC until July.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back into the RSC and playing my football in Waterford again,” O’Connor told the Blues’ website.

“Everyone knows Waterford is a big club, so to get to play here again is fantastic. I really enjoyed my time down here last season. The club has a real professional feel about itself.

“The facilities are second to none. Between that and the fans, there is something very special about this club.

“I spoke with Rennie (Alan Reynolds) a couple of times over the last few weeks and he’s set out his plan for the coming season.

“He’s brought in some good players so hopefully, we can do the business when we get on the pitch.

“Last year was tough, but I’m optimistic about the coming season. We’re going to give everything we have every time we cross onto the pitch.

“Hopefully, I’ll be able to score a few goals along the way, but I see no reason why we can’t push up the table.”

O’Connor began his senior career with hometown club Dundalk, alongside his older brother Ciaran, and made his senior bow in a 1-0 EA Sports Cup win over Shelbourne in April 2015.

He made one appearance in Europe, featuring as a sub in the Champions League play-off game away to Legia Warsaw, before signing for Shamrock Rovers ahead of the 2017 season.

A loan spell with Finn Harps followed in 2018 before he joined Linfield ahead of the 2018/19 season, helping them to the league title the same year.

O’Connor was selected by former Dundalk coach Stephen Kenny in the squad for the first Euro 2021 qualifier at home to Luxembourg, making his debut as a late substitute in a 3-0 win in Tallaght.

Reynolds added: “Michael O’Connor is a fantastic addition to this club. Great to have around the place and at the tail end of the season we got to see the best of him.

“This year we’ll have a fit and hungry Michael O’Connor and I feel he’s the best striker in the league when he’s fit.

“People have knocked this young man but everyone here believes in him. The best is yet to come from Michael and I have no doubt we’ll see it this year.”