Connor Hammell will be bidding to kick-start his career this summer in Australia after signing for Adelaide Comets in the National Premier League.

The 19-year-old west Cumbrian flies out on June 22 to link-up with the Comets on the recommendation of Dan Hanford, the former Carlisle United goalkeeper.

Hammell, who left Carlisle United by mutual consent in March, spent the last six weeks of the season with Workington Reds in the Evo-Stik Premier League.

“I’ve been planning the Australia trip for a little while. Dan had a contact out there and put my name forward. They had me watched over here and obviously thought I was good enough as I had the chance to sign,” he said.

“I have watched their matches on the internet and it seems a good standard. I have also chatted with their coach, Theo Tsiounis, so can’t wait to get out there.”

Hammell spent nine years with Carlisle and admits he was disappointed how it turned out in the end.

He added: “It was me who initiated the release because of how things had worked out. I just didn’t feel as though I had been given the chance.

“I had been told there was a good chance that I would be the next young player to come through and shine, but it was so frustrating waiting for an opportunity which never came. I will always believe I wasn’t given a chance.”

Hammell’s season in Australia will run until September but he has no plans to return to Workington.

“I don’t think their philosophy on football is the same as mine,” he said.

Adelaide Comets are currently fourth in the NPL South Australia table eight points behind the League leaders Adelaide City and have won half of their 12 matches so far, with two drawn.

“I’ve heard so much about Australia as a place that I’m really looking forward to my time out there. It’s going to be useful experience and I hope it can start to take my career forward again,” he says.