Derry City sign goalkeeper Nathan Gartside from Premier League Watford

Derry City have signed former Watford goalkeeper Nathan Gartside on a two-and-a-half-year deal after the Derry native trained for the past few weeks with the Brandywell outfit.

Illness restricted the 20-year-old’s opportunities during his stint cross-channel and he is looking forward to a fresh start with the Candystripes.

Hornets Academy graduate Gartside went on loan from Watford to Chelmsford City in January 2017 and made two appearances for the National League South side.

“I have been around the squad for the past few weeks and they’ve made me feel really welcome,” Gartside told the club's official website.

“My contract at Watford finished in June so to be honest I just want to get back playing football again as soon as possible.”

The youngster may have to bide his time at the Brandywell as the Candystripes' current captain, Ger Doherty, is first-choice goalkeeper and entering his testimonial season with his hometown club.

Gartside, who was capped six times at under-17 level by Northern Ireland, will provide back-up to Doherty alongside Eric Grimes.

It’s a little different to his experience as a 17-year-old, when he was training at Watford alongside Huerelho Gomes and Costel Pantilimon but it's a challenge he's relisihing.

Derry manager Kenny Shiels added: “Nathan’s only 20 and he’s a local goalkeeper and a local boy. He’ll have two years development with us now and it gives him a bit of direction, which is good.”