The 29-year-old's contract was due to expire at the end of the season, after three years at Turf Moor, but the Clarets have decided to let him go now to give him more time to find a new club.

Manager Owen Coyle said: "It's unfortunate for Garreth that it's never worked out, and we wish him well.

"He has worked hard during my time here and just never got a chance."

O'Connor joined Burnley in 2005 from Bournemouth on a free transfer, on the same day as Wade Elliott, and shone in his first season, scoring six goals by mid-October - including four goals in as many games.

He ended the season with eight goals, including a famous free kick winnenr at Wolves in front of the Sky cameras - Burnley's first goal and win at Molineux since 1986.

However, last season he failed to make one start for the Clarets, with only nine appearances as a substitute.

The Dubliner was placed on the transfer list in May, and started this season on loan at former club Bournemouth.

The midfielder returned to Burnley in October, but since then has failed to break into the first team.