RELEASED Derby County defender James O'Connor has joined Walsall on a free transfer.
O'Connor has signed a one-year deal with the League One outfit.
The 29-year-old is on his way back from long-term injury, having ruptured a thigh muscle in September while on loan at Bristol City.
O'Connor made 23 appearances for the Rams following his move from Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2012.
His last Derby appearance came against Charlton Athletic in December 2012.
"In James we have signed an extremely reliable and solid defender," said Walsall manager Dean Smith.
"There were a lot of teams interested in him when he left Derby County but I am delighted that he has chosen to come here."
O'Connor added: "It's been a tough 12-18 months for me as I have been in and out of action but I am itching to get back into it and have worked extremely hard to be ready for pre-season.
"I'm delighted to be here and, hopefully, I can be part of helping Walsall build and make progress."
