Derry City have brought in Adam Liddle from Reading on a six-month loan deal ahead of Friday night's League of Ireland opener away to champions Dundalk.
The striker will boost City's attacking options this campaign following the departure of David Parkhouse back to Sheffield United before his subsequent loan to Stevanage.
The 20-year old had been on trial with the Candystripes last month and did enough to impress City boss Declan Devine.
Devine told the clubs website: "He went back to Reading to do some work before the end of his trial but he was really keen to return.
“He stayed in touch with us on a regular basis and despite his travel arrangements being badly hampered by the weather yesterday he was happy to travel overnight to get here.
“I’ve said many times that this is an extremely competitive league. We need quality throughout the squad and he has been banging in goals for Reading’s under 23’s.”
Liddle tweeted: "Delighted to have joined Derry City on loan can’t wait to get started."
This follows the news that Conor McCormack has been named as the new club captain at the Brandywell.
Devine said: "Conor knows the club and knows the level of expectation at Derry City. He has bought into what we’re trying to do here from the start and has been setting the standard since he came in.
“We need a leader on the pitch and Conor is exactly that. He is a proven winner who knows what it takes to compete for honours in our league."
