Carlisle United announce signing of Scottish defender Cameron Harper

CARLISLE United have announced the signing of Scottish defender Cameron Harper from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

The 22-year-old will join the Blues on a three-year contract after spending seven years at the Caledonian Stadium and making over 150 appearances.

Harper came through Caley Thistle's youth ranks after joining the club at the age of 10 and made his league debut for the club in March 2018 against Dunfermline Athletic.

The defender also spent a short spell on loan at Elgin City in 2020.

Speaking on the club's website after Harper's arrival at Brunton Park was confirmed, Blues manager Paul Simpson said: "We’re delighted. We’ve been speaking to Cameron and Inverness for a good few weeks now, so I’m delighted to get it done.

"I think he’s a good addition to the squad, he’s a good age, he’s still a young guy but he’s played over 130 games at a good level.

"He’s a player who I think will add to the squad so I’m pleased to get it done.

"He’s an exciting player and I think there’s more to come.

"I think you’ve got to have a mix of youngsters and experience in the squad, and from all of the conversations I’ve had with Cameron, his father and his agent, I can see he’s got a fire in his belly and he wants to come and do really well.

"He’s really enjoyed being at Inverness and he’s really thankful for what they’ve done with him over his career, he’s been there for a long time, but he’s desperate to come here and show everybody what he can do."

Harper becomes Carlisle United's third signing of the summer after the Blues announced the signing of his countryman Jude Smith earlier this week, and after the club re-signed Aaron Hayden following his release from Wrexham AFC.