Declan O'Brien of Ireland's St Patrick, (photo), is expected in Malta today to sign for Valletta FC.

The St Patrick's Athletic striker will be replacing Dutch striker Geert den Ouden whose contract has been terminated after an unimpressive stint with the Lilywhites.

Valletta president Victor Sciriha confirmed to The Malta Independent that O'Brien is to become a Valletta player. However, according to UEFA rules, he will only be available to play as from next month.

O'Brien was responsible for Valletta's elimination from the second preliminary round of the Europa League in summer. He had scored St Patrick's winner at the Centenary Stadium as the Irish side won 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Dublin.

Sciriha also denied current rumours that linked Malta striker Michael Mifsud with the citizens. "We had shown interest in Mifsud earlier in the season, but the deal fell through some months ago, as we could not meet his demands," he said.

The City president also told The Malta Independent that he intends starting a professional system for the club's players as from this week.

The club had been in dispute with the MFA over such an idea and the MFA president, Dr Joe Mifsud, had also threatened to suspend the club, officials and players, if the players were not allowed or did not train with the national team.

After a meeting between Dr Mifsud and Sciriha, which was described as cordial and positive, no agreement had yet been reached apart from lining up another meeting which has not yet been held.

At present, the national team has no commitments.