Plymouth Argyle have strengthened their Irish connections recently- with their latest signing and loaning out one of their young prospects.
Argyle manager John Sheridan- who won 34 caps for the Republic of Ireland as a player- has secured the services of current Eire Under-21 international Carl McHugh, following his release from Bradford City, and has sent young prospect Jamie Richards out on loan to Northern Irish side Linfield.
McHugh, 21, is a left-sided centre back, who can also at left back, and becomes Sheridan's fourth summer signing following the arrival of Deane Smalley, Lee Cox and Reuben Reid.
His career highlights to date is arguably helping Bradford reach the final of the Capital One last season; he appeared in their victories over Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa- he also found the target in their semi-final first leg win over the Villains- before featuring against Swansea City in the final.
McHugh has also been capped twice by the Republic of Ireland at Under-21 level, and has also represented them at youth level.
He joins fellow countryman in current Argyle skipper Conor Hourihane- who hails from Cork- and will be looking to build a solid defensive partnership with Curtis Nelson.
Meanwhile, Pilgrims' youth product Jamie Richards has joined Linfield, managed by former Pilgrim Warren Feeney, on a six-month loan deal as he looks to continue his footballing education with the Belfast based Blues- who have lifted the Irish League title on a record 51 occasions.
Richards has so far made two appearances for Argyle, which both came in the 2012-13 campaign.
