Sean Maguire has left Preston North End for Coventry City in a bid to reignite his career.
The Ireland striker has agreed a permanent switch on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Maguire, 28, scored 24 goals in 170 appearances for Preston over six seasons but had fallen down the pecking order with just 10 outings this season.
Cork City recently enquired as to whether their former hot-shot striker might return home ahead of the new League of Ireland season.
But Covenrry have handed the Kilkenny man the opportunity to get playing in the Championship again.
And Maguire will be team-mates with ex-St Pat’s and Drogheda United defender Luke McNally who has also joined the Sky Blues - on loan from Burnley
Maguire, capped 12 times for Ireland, said: “I’m delighted with the move. Once I heard of Coventry’s interest I wanted to get it done as quickly as possible.
“I’ve been at Preston almost six years and it was a roller-coaster at times.
“I played regularly when fit but for the last year-and-a-half I haven’t played as much for various reasons.
“But a fresh start at Coventry is something I’m striving for. You haven’t seen the best out of me in the last few years but this is the right club and manager.”
Coventry boss Mark Robins said: “He’s an experienced striker at this level, who has a number of qualities that will help us between now and the end of the season.
“He can hold up the ball well and is adept at bringing others into play. He ‘ll provide a very good option for us in the forward area.”
Meanwhile, McNally is eager to get up to speed as a Championship regular having got a small taste at Burnley.
McNally joined the Clarets on a four-year deal last summer from League One outfit Oxford United and is well regarded by the Championship leaders.
He made two league appearances for Vincent Kompany’s high-flyers and two more in the League Cup and FA Cup respectively.
But McNally, 23, is keen to play regularly having joined Coventry on loan for the rest of the season.
“I’m delighted to be here,” said the defender, who also had interest in Belgium. “I’m looking to get some minutes under my belt
“I was always aware there was interest from Coventry. Even when I was at Oxford in League One I knew they were keeping tabs on me.
“When I heard they were coming in for me in January, I was more than happy to come out here on loan.”
