Jay Simpson says it’s a “good feeling” to return to Leyton Orient having signed a deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the season.

The striker played 99 times for the O’s before departing for Philadelphia Union in the MLS but, after training with the club following the expiry of his contract in the USA, a deal has finally got over the line.

Speaking to the club’s website, Simpson said: “It’s a good feeling to be back. I know the boys here are happy to have me join and I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

The 30-year-old re-joins the club with them second in the National League, two points behind Solihull Moors but with a game in hand, and he feels that this is the right time to return.

He said: “I’ve spoken to Justin [Edinburgh] at length quite a few times and he feels that if I come in, I can help out with the position that we’re in and hopefully get the promotion over the line.

“Obviously it took longer than he probably would have wanted but I feel now is a good time to join and go for the last stretch of the season.”

With the team performing so well this season, having been in the promotion hunt in the league for most of the campaign and still in the FA Trophy at the fourth-round stage, Simpson praised the current squad as well as the coaching and management start as he prepares to link up with them.

He said: “I think we’ve got a good bunch of boys here, an honest bunch of boys. Everyone seems to get along and we’ve got a good mix of experienced older players and younger players.

“It’s great to see some of the younger players that were here when I was here coming through like [Myles] Judd, Josh [Koroma] has done really well this year, and I think the guidance from the older players has been a big part of their success.

“I think they’re a nice bunch of boys, I haven’t seen any bad eggs in there and obviously everyone wants the same thing at the end of the season which is the most important thing.”

Simpson’s deal is subject to international clearance as he last played competitive football for Philadelphia Union in the MLS.