Former Republic of Ireland under-21 international Kevin O'Connor has returned to Cork City until the end of the SSE Airtricity League season. 

The 25-year-old had been a free agent after leaving Preston North End after three years at the Championship club earlier this month.

“I’m delighted to be back," said O'Connor, who made 87 appearances for City in his two previous spells at Turner's Cross.

Cork is a second home to me, and it’s good to see a few old faces here. There are obviously only 13 games left so it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be a battle, but it’s the same for everybody in the league.

"We have to take it game by game and we need to try and maximise the amount of points we can take, so we want to hit the ground running.”

Cork boss Neale Fenn is hoping that the full-back can prove an important influence in their dressing room:

“I spoke shortly after the break about the need to bring some experience into the squad, and certainly Kevin O’Connor brings us that. He knows the club well and he knows the league well, which was important to me.

"We needed that experience in such a young group, so I’m delighted that he agreed to come here. He’ll bring some experience and knowledge to our younger players."