Canice Carroll says he wants to be a hard-tackling and vocal member of Carlisle United’s new-look team which launches the Blues' League Two campaign tomorrow.

The Brentford midfielder sealed a season-long loan move yesterday and is eyeing a debut in the opener against Crawley.

Carroll, 20, says he is enthusiastic about the challenge with United, where he wants to be “part of something” in a first team instead of playing under-23 football.

Asked what attributes he will bring, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international said: “Tackling. And a lot of shouting, mainly at the refs!

“I’d like to see myself as a strong tackler, and a good passer of the ball. I’ll give 100 per cent every game and I like to think people see that when I do play.”

Carroll is among a host of players set for their first competitive Carlisle outings tomorrow, with fellow summer recruits Jack Iredale, Christie Elliott, Jon Mellish, Harry McKirdy, Jack Bridge, Byron Webster, Nathaniel Knight-Percival, Aaron Hayden, Olufela Olomola and the returning Nathan Thomas all hoping to feature.

The versatile Carroll will add some combative qualities to the defensive midfield role where he could line up alongside the experienced Mike Jones at Brunton Park.

The Championship prospect, who was on loan with Swindon last season, says he is keen to make his mark in League Two again.

Carroll said: “I wanted to be out getting more games under my belt. I’ve got 30-40 senior games now and I want to get as many as I can while I’m young, and be a part of something.

“Being wanted by the gaffer here is a massive thing. It gives you a lot of confidence to go and play.

“I don’t like the under-23 sort of games, that’s not me. It’s not what I’m about. I prefer the men’s game and getting stuck into things, taking things head on. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”

Carroll said he spoke to Brentford B head coach Neil MacFarlane – Pressley’s assistant manager at previous clubs – before sealing the deal.

The former Oxford midfielder added: “I found out about the interest a week and a bit ago. I did pre-season with Brentford and when they said I could go on loan, it was just a case of finding the right place.

“The gaffer gave me a ring and told me about the club, and it was not until that phonecall that I really did think that this is the place for me. After that call it was a no-brainer.

“It was a long drive up but it [came down to] the way he [Pressley] wants to work. I also had a couple of conversations with Neil, and he sold it to me straight away.

"It helps that Neil and the gaffer work in similar ways and have similar philosophies, so it won’t be alien to me here. I can’t wait to hit the ground running now and get started on Saturday.”

Carroll says the chance to be a central part of United’s plans in 2019/20 was an appealing factor.

He said: “The gaffer was saying it’s a small group he’s working with because he wants everyone to be a part of it.

“That’s something that sticks out to me – everyone being a part of something. That conversation kind of won me over.”

Carroll was on loan with Swindon last season and added: “The club [Carlisle] finished a few points off the playoffs last season, I played against the club here when I was on loan at Swindon and the stadium was rocking. I didn’t enjoy playing here as the away team but I can see why the boys are here and playing for the club, and it just seemed perfect.

“I learned a lot [at Swindon]. It was the opposition team to where I grew up playing, at Oxford, and I got a load of stick from a lot of people when I went to Swindon, but it was an opportunity for me to go and play again which I couldn’t turn down at all.

“They wanted me there, I learned a lot of things I didn’t think that I needed to learn – temperament, parts of my game. I loved my time there. But I’m solely focused on Carlisle now.”

Carroll also has international ambitions having represented the Republic of Ireland at all levels up to Under-21.

He said: “It’s a great honour playing for your country, walking out, listening to the national anthem. If I can do that throughout this season it will be great and the next step for me is trying to play for the senior team.

“It adds that little bit [of confidence], knowing you’re getting recognition from your club but also on a country level. It’s every boy’s dream to play for your country, I’m just lucky enough to do that.”

Carroll has featured in defensive positions in the past and is happy to do so again if required.

He said: “I feel defensive midfield is my best position because I can do a bit of both – defending and going forward.

“Versatility for some people is a burden but I see it as an asset – I’m learning different bits of the game at such a young age.

“I said to the gaffer I’ll play anywhere, it doesn’t bother me as long as the team’s winning.”

On his move to Brunton Park, he added: “Joining so late [in pre-season] isn’t ideal, not being able to get to know the lads as such, but it’s just something I’ve got to deal with and get on with. The lads have been great so far.

“If I can play well this season, earn myself a spot [at Brentford] maybe next season or a new contract that’s perfect for me. But the aim at the moment is solely focused on Carlisle. If I can impress Brentford on the way that’s a bonus.

“I want to play as many games as possible and see how high we can finish in the table. From my view of things I want to get promoted this year.

“The gaffer was saying he’s been chasing me for the whole of pre-season now. When you hear that, and that you’re wanted somewhere, you can’t turn it down no matter how far away Carlisle is. You want to play for someone that wants you to play. It’s a massive compliment.

“The way he wants to play is perfect for me – getting after the ball and pressing people, winning the ball back as high as you can gives you the best chance to go and score. It’s how I want to play. I want to play with the ball but at the same time I don’t want to be chasing around and running around headless after the ball, which a lot of lads don’t want to do.

“The way the gaffer’s structured it, and we’ve spoken about it, it’s ideal.”