TADCASTER ALBION have stepped up their bid for promotion by signing former Leeds United player Conor Qualter.

Qualter spent seven years with Leeds United before going on to play for Halifax Town under the current manager Neil Aspin.

The centre-half, who turns 20 next week, has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level, and has also had spells with Northwich Victoria and Ossett Town.

Qualter said: “This is a really exciting time to be signing for Tadcaster Albion. I contacted Matt (Gore) to ask if I could do some pre-season training with the club in the summer, but he offered me the chance to come and get started straight away, which is great.”

Qualter, from Huntington, has most recently been playing for Central Connecticut State University as part of a soccer scholarship in the USA. The former Huntington School pupil only returned to the UK earlier this week, but has already put pen to paper with the Brewers.

i2i sports director Matt Gore said: “Conor is a top quality player. We’re delighted to have him on board.”

Conor’s older brother Ryan played for the Brewers for three seasons after coming through the ranks at York City, and now plays for Bradford Park Avenue. The Brewers, who are top of the NCEL Premier, are at Bridlington today.