Sligo Rovers sign 2019 golden boot winner Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe following stint in Israel

Sligo Rovers have announced the signing of striker Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe on a deal until the end of the 2020 League of Ireland season, pending a work permit.

‘Junior,’ who was the Premier Division’s top scorer last season while on loan at Derry City from Colchester United, has most recently been on the books of Hapoel Hadera in Israel.

The 26-year-old was unable to find the net in five appearances in Ligat ha'Al and will hope to reignite the form that saw him bag 14 goals for the Candystripes last time out on his return to Ireland.

“I’m very happy to be back in the League of Ireland. I really liked the league here and I’m excited by the challenge of coming to Sligo Rovers,” Ogedi-Uzokwe said.

“I know they haven’t picked up the results wanted at the start of the season and there’s only 14 games to play. I’m looking to take it step by step and win a few games as soon as we can.

“It has been a frustrating year for me. I left Israel when the league was stopped due to Covid-19 and I just wanted to be closer to home. When the offer came in to be back in the League of Ireland, it appealed to me.”

Manager Liam Buckley added: “It’s a very good signing for us I feel. We’re looking for Junior to come in and hit the ground running as soon as he’s eligible to be involved.

“We have some good options in the forward area, Junior can play across the front three and he scored some very good goals last season.

“I remember in particular he did well against us, so we’re very aware of his talent.”

The Bit o’ Red currently sit bottom in the league after a poor start and will be hoping Junior’s goals can fire them to safety as they restart their campaign away to Derry City next Friday.