Northampton sign Stoke winger McCarron after trial

Preston-born Liam McCarron made his senior debut for Carlisle as a 17-year-old

League One side Northampton Town have signed Liam McCarron from Stoke City for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old winger has joined on a one-year deal with an optional further year after impressing on trial.

"Liam has done well on trial with us over the last couple of weeks," said Town manager Jon Brady.

"He has been training with us for a while now, so we know he will fit in well with the group and we have been pleased with what we have seen."

McCarron joined Leeds United after one senior season at first club Carlisle United in 2019, making his only first-team appearance as a substitute in a 4-1 Premier League defeat by Arsenal in December 2021, having signed a new two-year contract.

The former Scotland Under-19 international moved to Stoke in June 2022 but was loaned to Port Vale for the 2022-23 season after Michael O'Neill's departure as Potters boss, making two appearances in League One.

His only senior outing last season was a 16-minute substitute appearance in Stoke's FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, although McCarron played 11 times in Premier League 2, producing one goal and three assists.

"He is strong and he travels well with the ball," said Brady. "He can play in both attacking and defensive positions all down the left hand side and inverted on the right-hand side, offering flexibility in formations and systems.

"He has speed and the ability to break the back line in attack. Liam has a good pedigree, he has some big clubs on his CV but he is at the stage where he needs to start adding appearances to that CV.

"He is motivated to do that here and we feel we can help improve and develop his game.

“There was other interest in him and we are pleased he has chosen to join us.”

Northampton visit Cheltenham Town for a pre-season friendly on Saturday before travelling to Bristol Rovers for their first league match a week later.