Speedy defender Yoan Zouma spoke of his excitement at joining Barrow AFC ahead of this weekend’s Cumbrian derby at Carlisle.

The French centre-back completed a move to the Progression Solicitors Stadium today after his departure from Ian Evatt’s Bolton Wanderers.

The 22-year-old has been in Barrow boss David Dunn’s sights for some time and could be involved in Saturday’s trip to Brunton Park as AFC go in search of a first EFL victory.

Zouma is the younger brother of Chelsea star Kurt and admitted he is keen for action, having switched clubs after a 23-game campaign for Bolton in 2019/20.

“I’m really excited to be here and happy to be here,” he said.

“I’m fast - people say I’m very quick.

“I like to play football. I don’t really like long balls. I want to play football, get the ball, keep it. I like tackling as well. That’s how I am.”

Zouma also spoke of his excitement to be involved in the game at Carlisle - the first Football League clash between the two clubs for 56 years.

“It’s a local derby, and I’m excited to play quickly,” he added on the Bluebirds’ website.

“I can’t wait to start. The more quickly Saturday comes, the happier I will be.”

Zouma spent the last two seasons with Bolton but left the club last week.

Dunn admitted he had been keeping tabs on the player for a long time.

He said: “Yoan played in League One last year and he’s a player I have been aware of because I’ve watched him over the last couple of seasons.

“He has some really good attributes - he’s quick, he defends the space in behind really well and I feel like we have got another player in who is going to be really good for the future.”