Adam Carroll believes his goals can fire Annagh United to a stunning promotion this season and force himself into David Healy’s first team plans at Linfield.
The 20-year-old striker joined the Mid Ulster club on a loan deal until the end of the campaign having first penned a professional contract at the Blues in 2018.
Carroll has previously had two loan spells at Warrenpoint but he believes his impact over the next few months can help build a long-term future at the South Belfast club.
“My aim for next season is to be in Linfield’s first team,” Carroll told Match on Tuesday.
“It is a huge challenge but that is how I want to push myself and I believe in my own ability and what I can do.
“My challenge now is to impress at Annagh and help make the difference in the promotion race, I want to be in the team and scoring goals.
“In my opinion, Linfield have the best squad in the country and the best players so it is a big ask to make my claim but that is what I am challenging myself to do.”
Annagh are fourth in the Championship but are level on points with second-placed Loughgall, with a top three finish securing a promotion playoff spot.
Carroll added: “I knew I was coming here to enjoy game-time in a game that is used to scoring goals and winning matches.
“When I was at Warrenpoint it was a different challenge as you’re down at the foot of the table and your involvement in the game and role in the team is different.
“As soon as I knew of Annagh’s interest then I was intent on the move because it was all about game-time and playing minutes.
“At Linfield you are in full-time training every day and that is brilliant but its difficult when you don’t have regular minutes in the team, especially at my age – playing is all you want to do!
“The training at the Blues has really improved me as a player and I have really enjoyed the full-time setup, but to compliment that I think I need more time on the pitch.”
Carroll comes from a strong football background – his grandfather Eddie was an Irish international who played for Aberdeen and Dundee United, while he netted over 100 goals for Dundalk.
Adam is looking to make history of his own by helping take Annagh to their first ever promotion to the Irish Premiership.
“We are all looking at promotion now – which is a remarkable achievement for a side who are just back at Championship level but that is what this side have merited this year,” he continued.
“The job is not done but we want to be in the Premiership next season – even if I am only on loan, I feel like I can play a big part to help get the club up there.
“There is a really strong squad of players at the club and I have really enjoyed my first few training sessions with the club and working with the manager.
“The buzz in the dressing room was unbelievable from the day I arrived at the club.
“Every at this club from the personnel to their style of play suits me down to the ground.”
Carroll debuted for Annagh in the recent draw against Dergview and got off the mark for his new side by netting in their Irish Cup loss to Dungannon on Saturday.
“It was nice to get off the mark on Saturday but obviously when it comes in a defeat then it isn’t something I will be remembering too fondly!
“We always knew it was going to be a really tough game against a Dungannon side who are in the top four in terms of possession in the Irish Premiership.
“We did ok in the first half in managing to frustrate them but their quality started to show thereafter and we got a bit tired as it went on – but now we can turn our attention to the league games.”
