Former Ireland and Crystal Palace defender Damien Delaney signs for Waterford FC

The 37-year-old had a six-month stint with Cork City last season but departed the Rebels at the end of last season.

He joins Alan Reynold's Waterford who enjoyed a fine return to the top flight last season with a fourth placed finish that guaranteed European football in 2019.

"I’m really looking forward to it," Delaney told Waterford FC.ie. "I spoke to Alan [Reynolds] and he told me the plans he has for the club and what he wants to do here and I want to be part of it.

"I played against the club last season of course and the pitch is excellent and they were a good footballing side, and I feel I still have a lot to give so it's great to be able to come in.

"Europe is massive for the club, too. The club did so well last season and deserve to be playing in Europe in 2019. I feel I can contribute to that and I’m really happy to do so.

"I finished with Cork in November and enjoyed Christmas but I can't wait to be back at it, back to work and looking forward to the season ahead."

Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie after confirming the signing of Damien Delaney, manager Alan Reynolds said:

"I’m delighted to be able to bring Damien to the club. He’s a top professional and he can see what we’re trying to do here.

"The experience that Damien will bring to the club is invaluable; he’s spent almost his whole career in the UK and the majority of the past five years playing in the Premier League.

"With European football this season, too, it was important to add experience to our squad to compliment other areas, and Damien fits the bill for us."