FORMER Barrow AFC loan star Harrison Neal has joined League One side Carlisle United on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 22-year-old joins United on a permanent deal from the Premier League club after cutting short a loan spell in League One with Stevenage.

Neal was a big hit during his time with the Bluebirds, so much so manager Pete Wild tried to bring him back to Holker Street for a second loan spell.

However, the midfielder opted for a spell in League One on loan at Stevenage.

Neal made 52 appearances for the Bluebirds last term and won the praise of Wild.

Speaking to The Mail last April, towards the end of Neal’s time at Barrow, Wild said: “He has been outstanding, there are not enough words you can say about that young man.

“He came in as a young loan, his first league loan, and what he has done in that time is there for everyone to see.

“Left foot, right foot, wins headers, wins tackles – he is so mature for such a young man and he is going to have some hell of a career.”

Neal has been on United’s radar for some time, and could be involved in this weekend’s trip to bottom-four rivals Exeter City.

Blues boss Simpson, speaking to the Carlisle United website, said of the signing: “He’s a good, strong midfield player and I was really impressed with him last season on his loan to Barrow. 

“He’s got a good range of passing, he’s got a bit of tenacity about him so he can win challenges and get around the pitch, and I think at a young age he’s a really good player to bring in.

“He hasn’t played as many games as he would have hoped during his loan at Stevenage, but that’s probably a reflection of Stevenage doing so well.

“We’ve been speaking to Sheffield United for probably the last couple of months about him and as to what would happen, and thankfully we’ve managed to get a deal agreed.

“I’m sure he’ll be a really good addition to the football club and I look forward to seeing him develop over the next couple of years.”