His family is no strangers to competitive sports, as his father Tim, captained the Irish basketball team in the 80s.

Brian, a talented centre-back who last season played for Longford Town FC on loan from Bohemians, is one of the tallest players on the circuit at 6ft 5ins and has proven himself to be a left-footed talent on the pitch. He started playing for Athlone Football Club at the age of 17, quickly progressing through the ranks of senior football in Ireland, where he now wants to challenge himself as much as possible by playing at top level.

Along with his Irish- based agent Álvaro Blasco, a FIFA agent and practicing solicitor in Maynooth, he travelled to the Spanish capital last week to trial at the Atlético Madrid grounds in “Cerro del Espino” Madrid. Speaking of his experience in Madrid, Brian said: “I went out there and gave it my all, and although found the level of football challenging, I am delighted to say that I held my own and value the experience of being able to play at this level. I am pleased with how I did. “

The coaches at Atlético Madrid said on seeing Brian play during the trial: “Brian has unique skill and could be a great asset to any club where he can develop his game in the next two years. Definitely he is a player to be following for the future for us.”

Álvaro Blasco has been in talks with a number of both Spanish and Irish clubs who are interested in signing this Irish young talent. Álvaro admits that this is just the start of a long journey for Brian but is in no doubt the experience of playing with some of Europe’s best young soccer players will ensure that Brian McCarthy’s football career will be one to watch for the future.