Derry City have signed winger Liam Kearney from Cork City on a two-year-deal as they look to fill the void left by Niall McGinn's departure to Celtic.

The former Nottingham Forest and Shelbourne player has been a fixture at Turner's Cross since returning to his hometown club from Dublin in 2007.

However, the 25-year-old was out of contract and the Candystripes have swooped to snap up one of the league's brightest talents for free.

The move will disappoint Cork City fans who recently saw manager Alan Mathews sacked by new owner Tom Coughlan.

The local businessman then approached former Cork GAA manager Billy Morgan about succeeding Mathews but the 63-year-old was not interested.