Derry City have signed Dundalk striker Junior on loan until the end of the season.
The move comes on the same day Dundalk confirmed that Will Patching had returned to the club following a loan spell of his own at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.
Junior only joined the Oriel Park club in the summer, but has failed to shine as he had previously done in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
The 27-year old has found the net just twice in 12 top flight appearances this season.
He rejoins a club with whom he finished the season as top scorer in 2019, having netted 14 times while on loan from English National League side Bromley.
Junior's goals helped Derry qualify for the UEFA Europa League that season, and he was picked up by Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Hadera.
But neither the Israeli move, nor a brief spell at Sligo could see him rekindle his Derry form.
Ruaidhrí Higgins' side look to be taking a formidable forward line into the second half of the season. Earlier this week the signed Jamie McGonigle from Crusaders on a 2-and-a-half year deal.
“Junior is a player I’ve always liked," Higgins said, "He scored against us a couple of times while I was at Dundalk and I’m delighted to have him here.
"Bringing Junior adds to the real quality options we have in attack.”
“He’s a player I’m really looking forward to working with and I’d like to thank Jim Magilton at Dundalk who worked closely with Paddy McCourt behind the scenes to get this over the line.”
Junior himself added, “I had a great time when I was here before and had a fantastic relationship with supporters.
“The pandemic spoiled everything in terms of Israel but to be fair I’ve enjoyed playing at any club I’ve been at.
"I can’t wait to get started at Derry City and I’ll be doing everything I can to be back scoring goals.”
While Junior returns to Foyleside, Will Patching has ended his loan spell at the club.
The former Manchester City youth star has been a player reborn during his time at Derry.
Patching has scored six league goals this season, and provided just as many assists. He was originally signed to Dundalk by their returning head coach Vinny Perth.
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