Chrystal Clear: Defender Mark McChrystal returns for fourth spell at Derry City

Derry City have made their third signing of the summer transfer window as defender Mark McChrystal returns from Crusaders on a short-term deal.

The Derry native returns for his fourth stint at the Brandywell and will act as injury cover in the backline following the departure of Josh Kerr and Patrick McClean’s long-term injury.

He follows strikers Conor Davis, who arrived from UCD on Sunday, and Darren McCauley, who left Inverness Caledonian Thistle recently, in the door.

The 35-year-old first lined out for his hometown club in 2003 after he was snapped up by then-manager Dermot Keely following his release by Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He had spells in Scotland with Patrick Thistle and the Irish League with Lisburn Distillery either side of two additional spells with the Candystripes, before joining Tranmere Rovers in 2010.

After three years on Merseyside, which includes a loan spell at Scunthorpe United, he signed for Bristol Rovers and helped the Pirates win promotion from non-league to League One.

In 2017, he returned to Ireland and signed with Crusaders, whom he helped to the Premiership title in his first season, before parting company with the Belfast side on the conclusion of his contract.

McChrystal could make his fourth debut for Declan Devine’s side when they welcome league leaders Dundalk to the Ryan McBride Brandywell on Friday night.