Republic of Ireland U21 International Canice Carroll joins Carlisle on loan

Republic of Ireland U21 international Canice Carroll has joined Carlisle United on loan from Brentford for the upcoming League 2 season.

The Oxford born midfielder progressed through the youth system of his hometown club Oxford United before making the move to Brentford.

A loan spell last year with Swindon saw the 20 year old make 17 appearances and score one goal.

Carroll has been capped at each age level with the Republic of Ireland from U17 up.

“Canice is a player who gives us the option to use him in a number of positions but his main position for us, as I see it, is in the midfield area,” manager Steven Pressley said, speaking to the club’s website.

“Again, he’s comfortable in several of the midfield positions, and I see him as a 6 or an 8. He’s different to the other players we have in that he provides us with greater physicality.

“With the successful loan spell he’s had at Swindon last year he knows the level, and he comes to us in good shape having been part of Brentford’s summer preparations. The other important thing is that we know he’s a terrific character, so he’ll fit in quickly with the dressing room, which is what we need.

“He’s been a player we’ve targeted for some time,” he continued. “He’s in that mould of player where he’s at an age where he really wants to prove himself. He’s coming here at the right time, he’s hungry and, when you add the international appearances to the mix, he has a lot of good experience behind him for his age.

“I think this is a very good signing for the club and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Carlisle United begin their League 2 campaign at home against Crawley Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).