Carlisle United have today completed the season-long loan signing of Brentford midfielder Canice Carroll.

The 20-year-old has linked up with the Cumbrians today ahead of this weekend's big league kick-off against Crawley.

Carroll, a Republic of Ireland Under-21 international, has been a target for manager Steven Pressley for much of the summer.

United's boss finally got the green light on the deal this week and Carroll will reinforce a key area of the squad.

Although Carroll is a versatile player who has featured in defence, Pressley primarily sees him as a defensive midfield option.

The ex-Oxford man, who had a loan stint with Swindon last season, will now compete for a place in the Carlisle side for their opener on Saturday.

Pressley's close relationship with Brentford B Team head coach Neil MacFarlane - his former No2 - has also helped United secure the player.

Carroll has featured for the Championship club's first-team in pre-season before being allowed out on loan.

It is understood that, as with Monday's striker signing Olafela Olomola, there is a January recall clause in Carroll's deal, although this has not been confirmed by United.

Carroll, though, will be eligible to play for the Cumbrians in all cup competitions as well as the league.

Manager Pressley today said on United's website: "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.

“He’s been a player we’ve targeted for some time and is at an age where he really wants to prove himself."

He made 17 appearances and scored once for Swindon in his half-season loan from January this year.

Among his appearances was an outing against Carlisle in the Robins' 2-1 defeat at Brunton Park.

Previously he made 25 appearances and scored once for his first club Oxford, where he came through the ranks before joining Brentford last year. He is yet to make a first-team competitive outing for the Bees.

Carroll becomes the third loan signing at Brunton Park this summer after Nathan Thomas and Olomola.

Carlisle can include five loanees in a matchday squad and are still hoping to bring in another striker before Saturday.

The Carroll deal is subject to the clearance of all paperwork.

Fellow midfielder Mo Sagaf remains on trial with the Cumbrians and is training with the squad today.