GRAVESEND & Northfleet have bolstered their defence with the signing of former Republic of Ireland international central defender Paul McCarthy on a one-and-a-half-year deal.

McCarthy, 33, looks almost certain to make his debut in Saturday's Nationwide Conference home game against Woking. Manager Andy Ford said that he will certainly be in the squad.

His arrival marks a triumph of tenacity for Ford who has long admired the player. McCarthy was close to joining the Fleet in the summer before opting to sign for big-spending Hornchurch. He became available when the full-time Essex club were hit by financial problems.

Ford said: "Paul is an experienced player, he has strength and leadership qualities and will be a great addition to the squad."

Cork-born McCarthy started his professional career with Brighton where he made 216 appearances until his signing by Wycombe in a £100,000 deal in July, 1996. He made 245 appearances for the Adams Park club before his release on a free transfer to Oxford in March 2003.

After 34 appearances for Oxford, he moved into semi-professional football in July with his move to Hornchurch on a free.