Former Carlisle United youngster David Symington has signed for Workington Reds.

The 22-year-old agreed terms with the Borough Park club yesterday after playing for them in a pre-season friendly at Whitehaven Amateurs the previous night.

Manager Derek Townsley was delighted to welcome Workington-born Symington on board for the new Evo Stik premier division season.

"Given his pedigree we tried to get him to us towards the end of last season but Barrow weren't prepared to let him come on loan," said Townsley.

"We are fully aware of his capabilities and we know that he can play at a higher level than we are currently playing at.

"This is a real plus for us to get him on board."

Townsley is not expecting the youngster to take long to settle in with his new team-mates as he knows the majority of them already.

And he says that was a huge factor in the former St Joseph's School pupil opting to join Reds.

"He had some interest in him but he opted to come here because he has played with some of the lads before," added Townsley.

"He is living at Carlisle now so it is handy for him."

Symington began his footballing career with Workington Reds Juniors and he signed for Carlisle United in 2010, making his professional debut two years later.

In 2015 he joined Reds on loan but suffered a freak injury on his debut in a goalless home draw with Halesowen Town.

He dislocated his knee, ruptured his tendon and damaged cartilage to put him out of action for six months.

Symington was released by Carlisle later that year and then had a spell with Barrow before linking up with Reds.

"He just wants to get back to playing and enjoying his football," said Townsley.

"It wasn't a great year for him at Barrow, especially the second half of the season so he is looking forward to getting back to playing."