Carl McHugh: Plymouth signing targets promotion next season

"I want to be somewhere where I can be happy and play my best football and I think Plymouth is that place"

New Plymouth Argyle defender Carl McHugh aims to help the Pilgrims win promotion to League One next season.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international signed a two-year deal with the Pilgrims on Monday after two seasons at Bradford City.

"I don't think anyone wants to be mediocre and mid-table. Everyone's focused on promotion I want to get promoted," McHugh, 21, told BBC Sport.

"We're going to go for promotion and that has to be the aim."

McHugh made 44 appearances for Bradford in two seasons after 28 of them in the 2012-13 season as the Bantams won the League Two play-off final against Northampton, having also reached Wembley for the League Cup final.

He had a tough start to life in League One, playing just two games before Christmas, but made 14 appearances from the start of the year as Bradford finished 11th.

"I just couldn't force my way into the team, but I kept working hard and waited for the opportunity and I thought I did well when I got into the side," McHugh said.

"When you're not in the team, you've just got to keep your head down and work hard and take the chance when it comes.

"I felt I acquitted myself well and played well against some of the best clubs in the division last season."

The County Donegal-born left-sided centre-back said he had been impressed by Plymouth manager John Sheridan's vision for the team.

"He seems to want to play attractive attacking football which is always nice to be a part of," he added.

"The most important thing for me is somewhere where I can progress and forward my career

"I want to be somewhere where I can be happy and play my best football and I think Plymouth is that place."