Thompson has played 27 games for Stockport this season

Striker Peter Thompson is returning to Linfield in a loan deal from Stockport County until the end of the season.

The Belfast club made the surprise announcement on Wednesday and it is a move which will delight fans of the south Belfast club.

Linfield's campaign to regain the Irish League title, which Thompson helped them win three seasons in a row, had faltered in recent weeks.

Thompson, 25, joined Stockport at the start of the 2008-09 season.

"We were delighted that Peter got his chance across the water, but to say that I'm ecstatic that he's rejoining us on loan would be a major understatement," Linfield manager David Jeffrey told the club's website.

"In the present circumstances, it would appear to be in the best interests of Peter to come home and play for us for the rest of the season.

"We are thrilled to have him back at Linfield as we know what a quality player he is."

Jeffrey has ruled out any further signings in the January transfer window.

Thompson, who has seven Northern Ireland caps, was out of the game for a spell after suffering a collapsed lung midway through that first season.

Linfield are currently third in the Carling Premiership, five points behind leaders Crusaders but with three games in hand.

Stockport, who are bottom of League, lost their 11th successive league game on Monday 28 December against Leeds.

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