Finn Harps sign Australian defender Harry Ascroft from Maltese side Balzan

Finn Harps have agreed a deal to sign Australian central defender Harry Ascroft from Maltese Premier League club Balzan.

Ascroft becomes Ollie Horgan’s sixth signing of the window as he looks to bolster his squad for their first season back in the Premier Division.

The Sydney-born defender is good friends with current Harps player Jacob Borg from their time in Malta with Balzan.

“He spoke highly of the job Ollie Horgan was doing at Finn Harps,” Ashcroft told the club’s website.

“Jacob really enjoyed his time last season with the team getting promotion.”

Horgan persuaded the 23-year-old to come to Finn Park after travelling to Malta to watch Ascroft play.

“I was impressed with what he had to say and I’m now looking forward to playing with Finn Harps in the Premier Division.”

A pleased Horgan added: “We are pleased that Harry has agreed to join us. It’s a new challenge for him and one he is looking forward to now.”

Ascroft follows Sam Todd from Derry city, Longford duo Daniel O’ Reilly and Sam Verdan and Caolan McAleer and League of Ireland legend Raffaele Cretaro, both from Sligo Rovers.

The defender started his career with Sydney University before moving  to Holland, playing for VVV-Venlo.

Ascroft later moved back to his homeland with Central Coast Mariners before joining Balzan in 2018.