Dungannon Swifts forward joins Swedish side coached by former Irish League striker

O’Connor, who arrived at Stangmore Park in 2022 following spells at the likes of Shamrock Rovers, Ross County and Glentoran, scored four goals in 34 league appearances last season and also netted in their crucial 2-0 play-off second-leg victory against Annagh United which preserved Dungannon’s top-flight status.

The Swifts announced last month that the 24-year-old had been placed on the transfer list and he will now link up with former Linfield and Larne forward Thomas Stewart, who is currently serving as head coach at the fourth-tier outfit.

"DSFC would like to place on record our thanks to Michael O'Connor for the time he spent with us at Stangmore Park,” the Swifts posted on their Facebook page. “It didn't take long for Michael to become a fans favourite at The Swifts and he leaves for a new future, in Sweden at his new club, Ytterhogoals, with the best wishes from everyone at Dungannon Swifts FC.

“Michael will always be welcome back at Stangmore Park anytime in the future."

Ytterhogdals currently sit 13th in the 14-team Division Two Norrland league after 13 games with their next match coming on July 30 against Team TG FF.

Elsewhere, Cliftonville have signed striker Ben Wilson following his departure from Brighton & Hove Albion’s academy earlier this summer.

The 21-year-old, who previously spent time with Coleraine, made four appearances in Premier League Two last season and has represented Northern Ireland at youth international level.

“Ben is a player I’ve known about for a long time and, when his availability became known, I was keen to get a deal done with him,” Reds boss Jim Magilton told the club’s website. “He’s a pacey forward with a good eye for goal; someone who plays off the shoulder and who I think will fit very well into the style of play we want to implement at Cliftonville.”