The 22 year old defender- on loan from Bohemians- emerged from a troubled season at Longford Town last season as many fans’ player of the season.

With the assistance of Maynooth-based FIFA agent Alvaro Blasco, McCarthy last week spent a three-day trial with Atletico Madrid at their Cerro del Espino training centre.

While the six feet five inch centre half did not secure a contract, McCarthy did leave the Serie A giants with the club’s endorsement ringing in his ears.

PAUL LENNON reports:

Yesterday, McCarthy was training with Galway United as he seeks to find a new club after Bohs opted not to extend his two year contract.

ABROAD

“I want to stay in full time football and if that means I have to move abroad then I will consider it,” said McCarthy.

“I really enjoyed the experience at Atletico and the step up from training full time with Bohs everyday did not trouble me. The finess levels at Bohemians are very high.”

“And while I did not get a contract from Atletico it was a fantastic experience to get such an opportunity.”

The Cork native’s stint with Atletico was set up by Blasco, who was thrilled with the outcome.

“The club’s coaches were very impressed with Brian but at 22 he was just a bit too old to be considered,” said Blasco.

“In the future, I know that they will look at other Irish players in their teens and early twenties. They are aware of the quality.”

The McCarthy family are no strangers to competitive sports, as Brian’s father Tim captained the Irish basketball team in the eighties.