Dunedin - The Highlanders are expected to announce the signing of former All Black Mike Delany to ease their flyhalf crisis.

The former Bay of Plenty and Chiefs flyhalf has signed with the southern franchise, who improved to 5-1 on Friday when they beat the Rebels in Invercargill, for the remainder of the Super Rugby season, according to Radio Sport.

Delany, who had a previous stint with the Highlanders in 2007, has been playing for the Panasonic Wild Knights in the Japan Top League, which ended a month ago.

The Highlanders, who lead the New Zealand Conference, have been hit heavily by injuries in the No 10 jersey with both All Black Colin Slade (broken ankle) and Lima Sopoaga (broken scapula) out for the season. Third-string flyhalf Chris Noakes has made two starts this season.

Delany made his one and only All Blacks Test appearance against Italy in Milan on November 14, 2009, but also appeared in black against a Barbarians XV three weeks later.