ATK have signed former Motherwell FC player Carl McHugh as their first new foreign recruit for the upcoming season. The 26-year-old has agreed to a two-year deal which will keep him at the club till 2021.

The Irishman comes with the experience of having played in England with Reading's youth setups, Plymouth Argyle in League Two and Bradford City in League One. McHugh was part of the Bradford setup which defied all odds to reach the League Cup final back in 2012-13. It was the first time in over 51 years that a fourth-tier club in England played the prestigious cup final.

His most recent venture was in the Scottish Premiership with Motherwell, where he made 47 appearances last season. On the international front, McHugh has represented the Ireland U17, U19 and U21 national teams.

McHugh has spent most of his career playing as a centre back but can also operate as a left back and a defensive midfielder. Despite playing primarily in defensive-minded roles, the Irishman also carries a potent goal threat, as reflected by his 15 goals and 8 assists in 245 professional matches.

The 26-year-old’s greatest strength, however, is his ball-winning ability. McHugh possesses exceptional situational awareness, which helps him rake in a considerable number of tackles and interceptions in matches.