Barnsley have signed permanently Derby County striker Jon Macken.

The 30-year-old, who spent two months on loan at Oakwell late last year, has put pen to paper on an 18-month deal, keeping him at Barnsley until the summer of 2009.

Macken, for whom Manchester City paid £5million to Preston in February 2002, proved a big hit with Tykes fans while on loan, scoring three goals in his last two games and making 11 appearances in total.

He moved on from City to Crystal Palace in 2005 and had a spell on loan at Ipswich before joining Derby on a free transfer in January 2007.

The former Republic of Ireland international will go straight into Barnsley's squad for Tuesday night's home clash with Colchester.