Phil Charnock (right) played more than 150 games for Crewe

Former Crewe and Port Vale midfielder Phil Charnock has signed for Linfield on a one-year contract.

Charnock, who started his career at Liverpool, was operating on a non-contract basis at Bury, and after a medical check signed for the Blues on Wednesday.

Manager David Jeffrey will toss Charnock straight into the action when Linfield hope to continue their unbeaten run in the CIS Insurance Cup with a trip to Larne.

''I am delighted to have signed Phil Charnock,'' said Jeffrey. ''We agreed terms on Tuesday and he passed his medical on Wednesday.

''He is a player with experience and pedigree. Scouts at Rangers, Arsenal, Tranmere Rovers and Everton had recommended him to us.

''We had been watching him for the last month.''

This now takes to six the number of players signed ahead of the League campaign - Aidan O'Kane, Paul McAreavey, Paul Dalglish, Kenny Irons, Stephen Douglas, and now Charnock.

Charnock had played in all Bury's games this season, where he was signed as a non-contract player.

The current financial situation in English football meant that Linfield were in a competitive position to offer him terms.

Linfield have also brought Derek Donaghy to Windsor as Youth team coach. He was formerly assistant manager at Chimney Corner FC.

He takes over from Philip Mitchell who left Linfield during the summer due to work commitments.

Meanwhile, Glen Ferguson will miss the trip to Larne due to a knee injury.