ACCRINGTON Stanley have signed John O'Sullivan from newly promoted Morecambe on a three-year deal.

It will be the midfielder's third spell with the Reds, having twice joined the club on loan from Blackburn Rovers.

And Stanley boss John Coleman is delighted to have secured the 27-year-old on a permanent contract.

"I have known Johnno a long time," he said.

"I obviously signed him for two loan spells here and signed him for Southport as well.

"Whenever he has been with us he has done well.

"He knows us inside out and his type of character fits with the Accrington mould and he is a very good footballer."

After coming through the youth ranks at Ewood Park, O'Sullivan made his first permanent move to Carlisle United on a free transfer in 2017, before joining Blackpool the following July.

He went on loan to Dundee during his season at Bloomfield Road, before making the switch to Morecambe in the summer of 2019.

O'Sullivan was in integral part of last season's success, culminating in promotion to League One for the Shrimps via the play-offs.

He scored four goals in 13 appearances for Stanley during his first loan spell in the first half of the 2014/15 season.

He returned for the first half of the 2016/17 campaign, and although played more games, he scored fewer goals.

The Dubliner scored five times for Morecambe last season, including four in the league.