Big Dan ready to sign for Reds
Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 13 March 2008
WORKINGTON Reds’ newest recruit would relish the opportunity to make his loan move from Carlisle Utd permanent.
Dan Kirkup, 21, whose contract at Carlisle is up in the summer, has been told by manager John Ward that he is surplus to requirements at Brunton Park, and Kirkup would “definitely” consider moving to Reds.
The six-foot-four defender said: “I have been really impressed with the set up at Workington. I have never played for a part-time team before but the chance to play first team football was too good to turn down.
“I have been told by John Ward that I will not be getting my contract renewed at Carlisle and if the opportunity came to make this move permanent then I would definitely consider it.”
Kirkup has only made three appearances for Reds but already feels at home.
He said: “I know a lot of the lads from when they were in the Carlisle youth team and I was in digs with Graham Anthony.
“I feel at home here already, all the lads have been great with me.”
Reds have only won one of their last 10 league games but Kirkup feels that it is only a matter of time before the results start to come.
He said: “Even though we find ourselves in a potential relegation fight, the confidence in the squad is high.
“We know that we have the ability in the squad to get the results, we just need the one win and we will be on our way.
“I have found that it is even more physical in this league. The players here a lot taller and want to hit you, unlike the Football League where more football is played.”
Kirkup admits that the Reds fans have not seen the best of him but he will continue to improve.
The 20-year-old said: “I am not pleased with how I have played so far but I am still acclimatising to Blue Square North and will only get better.
“I am a big lad, who is good in the air and can play a bit too.”
Kirkup is training with Carlisle Utd during the week but meets up with his Reds teammates on a Thursday evening.
He said: “Training is going well. You can see what Darren and Viv are trying to do here. The boys have the belief and that is infectious. I know that we will turn things around.”
Kirkup was the captain of the Carlisle Utd youth team who made it to the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup in 2005.
