Nottingham Forest have signed Damien Lynch, who was released by Leeds during the summer, until the end of the season.
The 22-year-old Dubliner has spent the past six weeks on trial at Forest under manager Paul Hart, who was responsible for bringing him through the ranks at Elland Road.
Lynch starred alongside the likes of Jonathan Woodgate, Harry Kewell and Stephen McPhail in Leeds's FA Youth Cup-winning team in 1997.
But his progress has been disrupted by injuries.
The former Republic of Ireland Under-21 international said: "I had shin splints three times, five groin operations and an ankle injury so I have had my fair share of injuries.
"Hopefully I can steer clear of problems now and get fully fit and push for a place in the first team".
PA
