ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC defender Jake Carroll has signed for Championship club Huddersfield Town.
The promising 21-year-old, who can operate in a number of positions across the backline and in midfield, joins Mark Robins’ Terriers having made over 50 appearances for the Saints and gaining experience in the Europa League.
London-born Carroll grew up in Lucan, County Dublin and played at schoolboy level with Home Farm and Belvedere before moving to Pat’s. He also completed a degree in Business as part of a scholarship programme which links the Inchicore club and the NUI Maynooth.
A former Manchester United player, manager Robins spoke glowingly of his new acquisition, who earned the deal after two trial periods.
“Jake impressed me a lot when he was here a few weeks ago on trial,” said Robins. “He is left sided, quick, powerful and has a good attitude with an aptitude to learn quickly.
“He will have to adapt to the style of football in England, but he arrives with the challenge of breaking into our First Team. Ireland is an interesting market for English clubs.”
A lot of talented Irish players arrive in England at 16 years old, in the same way that we recently recruited the country’s Under-16 Captain Danny Kane from Cherry Orchard, whereas others are identified after emerging in a League of Ireland team at aged 20 or 21, such as James McClean and Seamus Coleman. Jake comes under the latter of those two routes.”
Pat’s chairman Garrett Kelleher added: “I am particularly pleased that Jake could complete his third level education and now embark on his football career with a degree which we hope will serve him well in future years.
“We wish him the very best of luck at Huddersfield Town.”
Caroll will link up with the club, currently lying 20th in England’s second tier, at the end of the current season.
