{{Short description|Irish footballer (born 1993)}} {{Use British English|date=July 2022}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Carl McHugh |image = |caption = McHugh with [[ATK Mohun Bagan FC|ATK Mohun Bagan]] in 2022 |fullname = Carl Gerard McHugh<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/4e/bd/0,,10794~179534,00.pdf|title=Professional retain list & free transfers 2012/13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802074454/http://www.football-league.co.uk/staticFiles/4e/bd/0%2C%2C10794~179534%2C00.pdf|date=18 May 2013|archive-date=2 August 2014|access-date=4 January 2015|page=55|publisher=The Football League|url-status=dead}}</ref> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1993|2|5|df=y}} |birth_place = [[Lettermacaward]], Ireland |height = 1.82 m<ref name = "SW"/> |position = [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|Defensive midfielder]], [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre-back]], [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|left-back]] |currentclub = [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]] |clubnumber = 16 |youthyears1 = –2009 |youthclubs1 = Dungloe Town |youthyears2 = 2009–2011 |youthclubs2 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] |years1 = 2011–2012 |clubs1 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 2011 |clubs2 = → [[Swindon Supermarine F.C.|Swindon Supermarine]] (loan) |caps2 = 7 |goals2 = 2 |years3 = 2011 |clubs3 = → [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] (loan) |caps3 = 12 |goals3 = 0 |years4 = 2012–2014 |clubs4 = [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] |caps4 = 30 |goals4 = 2 |years5 = 2014–2016 |clubs5 = [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]] |caps5 = 81 |goals5 = 5 |years6 = 2016–2019 |clubs6 = [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] |caps6 = 82 |goals6 = 3 |years7 = 2019–2020 |clubs7 = [[ATK (football club)|ATK]] |caps7 = 6 |goals7 = 1 |years8 = 2020–2023 |clubs8 = [[Mohun Bagan SG|Mohun Bagan]] |caps8 = 51 |goals8 = 3 |years9 = 2023–2025 |clubs9 = [[FC Goa|Goa]] |caps9 = 41 |goals9 = 2 |years10 = 2026– |clubs10 = [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]] |caps10 = 12 |goals10 = 0 |nationalyears1 = 2009–2010 |nationalteam1 = [[Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team|Republic of Ireland U17]] |nationalcaps1 = 7 |nationalgoals1 = 0 |nationalyears2 = 2010–2011 |nationalteam2 = [[Republic of Ireland national under-19 football team|Republic of Ireland U19]] |nationalcaps2 = 5 |nationalgoals2 = 0 |nationalyears3 = 2013 |nationalteam3 = [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland U21]] |nationalcaps3 = 2 |nationalgoals3 = 0 |club-update = 13:03, 15 May 2026 (UTC) |nationalteam-update = 13:49, 27 March 2013 (UTC) }} '''Carl Gerard McHugh''' (born 5 February 1993) is an Irish professional [[Association football|footballer]] who plays as a [[Midfielder#Defensive midfielder|defensive midfielder]] for [[League of Ireland Premier Division]] club [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]]. He can also play as a [[Defender (association football)#Centre-back|centre-back]] or [[Defender (association football)#Full-back|left-back]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33550884|title=Plymouth Argyle: Carl McHugh may play in midfield, says Adams|date=16 July 2015|access-date=16 July 2015|author=James Law|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
==Club career== ===Early career=== Born in [[Lettermacaward]], [[County Donegal]], McHugh left Donegal club Dungloe Town to sign a scholarship with English club [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] at the age of 16.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/9907391.Bradford_City_defender_McHugh_a_small_town_hero_with_a_big_future/|title=Bradford City defender Carl McHugh a small-town hero with a big future|date=4 September 2012|first=Simon|last=Parker|newspaper=Telegraph & Argus|publisher=Newsquest}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2023 |title=‘I will have plenty of time for the Donegal Christmas when I stop playing, but I’m happy to make the sacrifice now’ – Carl McHugh |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/i-will-have-plenty-of-time-for-the-donegal-christmas-when-i-stop-playing-but-im-happy-to-make-the-sacrifice-now-carl-mchugh/a736159276.html |access-date=27 April 2026 |website=Irish Independent |language=en}}</ref> He spent loan spells at [[Swindon Supermarine F.C.|Swindon Supermarine]] and [[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]].<ref>{{soccerbase|id=60025|name=Reading and Dundalk}}</ref><ref name = "Swindon">{{cite web|url=http://www.swindonsupermarinefc.com/FORMER%20PLAYERS/carl%20mchugh.HTM|title=Profile|publisher=Swindon Supermarine F.C.|access-date=29 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303210539/http://www.swindonsupermarinefc.com/FORMER%20PLAYERS/carl%20mchugh.HTM|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Dundalk">{{cite web|url=http://www.dundalkfc.com/players/first-team-squad/carl-mchugh |title=Profile |publisher=Dundalk F.C. |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102090558/http://www.dundalkfc.com/players/first-team-squad/carl-mchugh/ |archive-date=2 November 2012 }}</ref> He spent one year as a professional at Reading before being released in the summer of 2012.<ref name = "Fletcher">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/21369464|title=Capital One Cup final: Defender's journey from despair to Wembley|date=22 February 2013|access-date=16 June 2014|author=Paul Fletcher|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref>
===Bradford City=== McHugh signed for [[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] in August 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/9892940.Bradford_City__McHugh_will_come_of_age_at_Bantams__says_Parkinson/|title=Bradford City: McHugh will come of age at Bantams, says Phil Parkinson|date=25 August 2012|first=Simon|last=Parker|newspaper=Telegraph & Argus|publisher=Newsquest}}</ref> He made his professional debut for Bradford City on 28 August 2012, in a League Cup match against [[Watford F.C.|Watford]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19340422|title=Watford 1 – 2 Bradford|date=28 August 2012|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC}}</ref> He made his debut in [[The Football League]] on 27 October 2012, coming on as a substitute in the 1–0 defeat away at Burton Albion.<ref name = "Fletcher"/>
In November, he starred and scored an equalising header for Bradford City in their [[FA Cup]] victory over Northampton Town.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/11/14/mchugh-scores-as-bradford-city-progress-to-next-round-of-the-fa-cup/|title=McHugh scores as Bradford City progress to the next round of the FA Cup|date=14 November 2012|work=Donegal Daily|access-date=16 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121130081640/http://www.donegaldaily.com/2012/11/14/mchugh-scores-as-bradford-city-progress-to-next-round-of-the-fa-cup/|archive-date=30 November 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Earlier that month, McHugh had been praised by his manager for his performance against Wigan Athletic in the League Cup,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10022256.It_s_been_a_crazy_few_days__admits_Bradford_City_s_fledgling_centre_back_McHugh/|title=It's been a crazy few days, admits Bradford City's fledgling centre back Carl McHugh|date=2 November 2012|first=Simon|last=Parker|newspaper=Telegraph & Argus|publisher=Newsquest}}</ref> and he later commented that his recent spell of first-team games had been a "huge learning curve" for him.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10056818.McHugh_growing_up_fast_in_young_Bradford_City_defence/|title=Carl McHugh growing up fast in young Bradford City defence|date=20 November 2012|first=Simon|last=Parker|newspaper=Telegraph & Argus|publisher=Newsquest}}</ref> McHugh's performances were praised by teammate [[Rory McArdle]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10173568.Bradford_City_centre_half_McArdle_predicts_big_things_from_fast_learner_McHugh/|title=Bradford City centre half Rory McArdle predicts big things from fast learner Carl McHugh|date=21 January 2013|first=Simon|last=Parker|newspaper=Telegraph & Argus|publisher=Newsquest}}</ref>
Following Bradford City's elimination of [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in the League Cup semi-final, McHugh was photographed waving the flag of his native county on the pitch at [[Villa Park]]. He later said, "That was the highlight of the night for me. Back in Bradford they might have thought it was the Irish flag, but they know now that it is the Donegal flag."<ref>{{cite news|first1=Peter|last1=Campbell|first2=Alan|last2=Foley|url=http://www.donegaldemocrat.ie/sport/local-sport/carl-mchugh-flies-the-donegal-flag-in-bradford-1-4718662|title=Carl McHugh flies the Donegal flag in Bradford|newspaper=Donegal Democrat|publisher=Johnston Press|date=24 January 2013|access-date=24 January 2013}}{{Dead link|date=December 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> In the run-up to the [[2013 Football League Cup Final]], which McHugh played in, he was cited as an "unsung hero" of the Bradford City team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10246837.McHugh_back_on_a_high_at_Bradford_City_after_Reading_release/|title=Carl McHugh back on a high at Bradford City after Reading release|date=23 February 2013|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> In the latter stages of the 2012–13 season, he began to be played more as a [[left-back]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10275328.McHugh_getting_it_right_on_the_left_for_Bradford_City/|title=Carl McHugh getting it right on the left for Bradford City|date=8 March 2013|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> In June 2013, McHugh was praised by former Bradford City left-back [[Wayne Jacobs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10483565.Bradford_City_defender_McHugh_tipped_to_make_grade_at_higher_level/|title=Bradford City defender Carl McHugh tipped by Wayne Jacobs to make grade at higher level|date=14 June 2013|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> In July 2013, McHugh signed a new one-year contract with Bradford City,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23159149|title=Bradford City; Carl McHugh signs new one year contract|date=3 July 2013|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> and later that month he spoke about his fight to become a first-team member in the forthcoming season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10551871.McHugh_embraces_battle_for_Bradford_City_places/|title=Carl McHugh embraces battle for Bradford City places|date=17 July 2013|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref>
In November 2013, McHugh publicly spoke about his lack of first-team football.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10775699.You_never_know_when_your_chance_will_come__says_McHugh_as_he_plays_Bantams_waiting_game/|title=You never know when your chance will come, says Carl McHugh as he plays Bantams waiting game|date=1 November 2013|access-date=6 November 2013|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> By 17 January 2014, however, he had played three of the club's last four games, and he credited a sports psychologist for helping him regain his first-team spot.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10941293.McHugh_smiling_again_as_Bradford_City_mind_coach_gets_into_his_head/|title=Carl McHugh smiling again as Bradford City mind coach gets into his head|date=17 January 2014|access-date=17 January 2014|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref>
===Plymouth Argyle=== On 16 June 2014, McHugh signed a two-year contract with [[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pafc.co.uk/news/article/mchughs-that-man-1627229.aspx|title=McHugh's That Man|date=16 June 2014|access-date=16 June 2014|publisher=Plymouth Argyle F.C.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27866899|title=Plymouth Argyle sign former Bradford City man Carl McHugh|date=16 June 2014|access-date=16 June 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> He played 50 games for Plymouth in his first season at the club, mainly at centre-back alongside Peter Hartley and Curtis Nelson.<ref>{{Soccerbase season|66513|2014|accessdate=19 January 2016}}</ref> During the 2014–15 season Plymouth had one of the best defensive records in the league.<ref>{{Cite web|title = John Sheridan says Argyle's outstanding defensive record is down to teamwork|url = http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/John-Sheridan-says-Argyle-s-outstanding-defensive/story-26254002-detail/story.html|website = Western Morning News|access-date = 19 January 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150806020240/http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/John-Sheridan-says-Argyle-s-outstanding-defensive/story-26254002-detail/story.html|archive-date = 6 August 2015|url-status = dead}}</ref>
Following the arrival of new Plymouth manager Derek Adams in the summer of 2015, McHugh was moved further up the field into a midfield role. He played all season in midfield, earning a lot of praise for his performances throughout the season.<ref>{{Cite news|title = McHugh relishes Argyle midfield role|url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35069803|newspaper = BBC|access-date = 19 January 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title = CHRIS ERRINGTON: Indestructible Carl McHugh is Argyle's version of Captain Scarlet|url = http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/CHRIS-ERRINGTON-Indestructible-Carl-McHugh-Argyle/story-28461663-detail/story.html|website = Plymouth Herald|access-date = 19 January 2016}}{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===Motherwell=== On 5 July 2016, McHugh signed a two-year contract with [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]].<ref>{{cite web|title=McHugh is new signing number five|url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/?p=52391|website=motherwellfc.co.uk|publisher=Motherwell FC|access-date=5 July 2016|date=5 July 2016}}</ref> His signing was met with much controversy, signing for Motherwell despite previously agreeing terms to extend his contract with previous club Plymouth Argyle in writing.<ref>{{cite web|title=English club unhappy as rising Donegal star opts to join Scottish Premier Division side|url=http://www.donegalnow.com/sport/english-club-unhappy-as-rising-donegal-star-opts-to-join-scottish-premier-division-side/102977|website=donegalnow.com|publisher=Donegal Now|access-date=9 July 2016|date=6 July 2016|archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901215204/https://www.donegalnow.com/sport/english-club-unhappy-as-rising-donegal-star-opts-to-join-scottish-premier-division-side/102977|url-status=dead}}</ref> McHugh suffered a serious head injury – a two inch deep gash above his right eye – on the opening day of the [[2016–17 Scottish Premiership|season]] against [[Kilmarnock F.C.|Kilmarnock]] on 6 August 2016. Motherwell manager [[Mark McGhee]] later said that the nature of the injury meant the club could not put a timescale on McHugh's return.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37650660|title=Motherwell: Carl McHugh head injury 'grim', says Mark McGhee|date=13 October 2016|access-date=11 December 2016|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> He made his comeback on 28 December 2016, away to [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Motherwell stretch Inverness' winless streak to nine games|url=https://stv.tv/sport/football/1376803-motherwell-stretch-inverness-winless-streak-to-nine-games/|publisher=STV Sport|date=28 December 2016|access-date=28 December 2016|archive-date=12 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170812213602/https://stv.tv/sport/football/1376803-motherwell-stretch-inverness-winless-streak-to-nine-games/|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 4 February 2017, McHugh was sent off during a Scottish Premiership match with [[Heart of Midlothian F.C.|Hearts]] following a challenge on [[Don Cowie (footballer)|Don Cowie]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/15077565.Appealing_Carl_McHugh_s_red_card_would_be__a_waste_of_time_and_money___say_Motherwell/|title=Appealing Carl McHugh's red card would be 'a waste of time and money', say Motherwell|website=Evening Times|language=en|access-date=15 February 2017}}</ref> Motherwell went on to lose the game 3–0, with Mark McGhee blaming the McHugh red card for losing the game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38779146|title=Motherwell 0–3 Heart of Midlothian|date=4 February 2017|newspaper=BBC Sport|access-date=15 February 2017|language=en-GB}}</ref> On 4 March 2017, he scored his first Motherwell goal in a 2–1 win away to Kilmarnock.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kilmarnock 1–2 Motherwell|url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2017/03/04/kilmarnock-1-2-motherwell-4/|date=4 March 2017|access-date=4 March 2017|publisher=Motherwell F.C.}}</ref> In June 2017 it was announced that McHugh would be Motherwell's new captain,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/15364146.Carl_McHugh_named_as_new_Motherwell_captain_following_Keith_Lasley_s_retirement/|title=Carl McHugh named as new Motherwell captain following Keith Lasley's retirement|website=HeraldScotland}}</ref> before signing a new two-year contract with the club on 27 July 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=McHugh pens contract extension|url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2017/07/26/mchugh-pens-contract-extension/|website=motherwellfc.co.uk|publisher=Motherwell F.C.|access-date=27 July 2017|date=27 July 2017}}</ref> Ahead of the [[2018–19 Motherwell F.C. season|2018–19 season]] McHugh gave up his role as captain, saying it was best for both himself and the club.<ref>{{cite web|title=CARL MCHUGH PASSES ON CAPTAIN'S ARMBAND|url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2018/07/10/carl-mchugh-passes-on-captains-armband/|date=10 July 2018|access-date=17 July 2018}}</ref>
===ATK=== In May 2019 McHugh signed for Indian club [[ATK (football club)|ATK]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/indian-super-league/top-stories/atk-sign-irish-defender-carl-mchugh/articleshow/69540214.cms|title=ATK sign Irish defender Carl McHugh - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/isl-transfers-atk-sign-brothers-soosairaj-and-regin-irish-defender-carl-mchugh|title=ISL Transfers: ATK sign brothers Soosairaj and Regin, Irish defender Carl McHugh|date=28 May 2019|website=www.sportskeeda.com}}</ref> He scored on his debut.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2019/10/21/watch-carl-mchugh-nets-stunning-goal-on-indian-super-league-debut/|title=Watch: Carl McHugh nets stunning goal on Indian Super League debut|first=Chris|last=McNulty|date=21 October 2019}}</ref> He said he chose to play in India because of its improving standards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/sports/why-carl-mchugh-chose-to-play-isl/cid/1715040|title=Why Carl McHugh chose to play ISL|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> McHugh's debut season with ATK ended early for him due to injury,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishpost.com/sport/indian-adventure-will-continue-donegal-native-carl-mchugh-182104|title=Indian adventure will continue for Donegal native, Carl McHugh|first=Frank|last=Craig|website=The Irish Post}}</ref> although the club secured the ISL championship title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.highlandradio.com/2020/03/15/carl-mchughs-atk-win-indian-super-league/|title=Carl McHugh's ATK win Indian Super League|date=15 March 2020}}</ref>
===Mohun Bagan=== He joined [[ATK Mohun Bagan]] after ATK merged with [[Mohun Bagan A.C.|Mohun Bagan]] in 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/isl-edu-garcia-two-year-contract-extension-atk-mohun-bagan/1l69meo2dr2o21l634kokaltr2|title=ISL: Edu Garcia signs two-year contract extension with ATK Mohun Bagan FC | Goal.com|website=www.goal.com}}</ref> With the club, he began 2022–23 season on 20 August 2022 against [[Rajasthan United FC|Rajasthan United]] at the [[2022 Durand Cup|131st edition]] of [[Durand Cup]] as his team lost the match 3–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/durand-cup-atk-mohun-bagan-vs-rajasthan-united-live-streaming-score-atkmb-vs-arft-when-where-to-watch-india-telecast-highlights/article65790319.ece|title=Durand Cup HIGHLIGHTS ATK Mohun Bagan loses 2–3 to Rajasthan United, ATKMB vs RUFC; Mariners lose first match|website=sportstar.thehindu.com|publisher=[[Sportstar]]|agency=[[The Hindu]]|location=Kolkata, West Bengal|first=Neeladri|last=Bhattacharjee|date=20 August 2022|access-date=20 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820165038/https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/indian-football/durand-cup-atk-mohun-bagan-vs-rajasthan-united-live-streaming-score-atkmb-vs-arft-when-where-to-watch-india-telecast-highlights/article65790319.ece|archive-date=20 August 2022}}</ref>
===Goa=== On 28 July 2023, McHugh signed for [[FC Goa|Goa]] after he mutually parted ways with Mohun Bagan.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/mchugh-parts-ways-with-bagan-set-to-join-fc-goa/articleshow/102181485.cms?from=mdr |title=McHugh parts ways with Bagan, set to join FC Goa |date=28 July 2023 |publisher=The Times of India |access-date=28 July 2023}}</ref> In September 2025 he was rumoured to be joining [[Chennaiyin FC|Chennaiyin]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Giri |first=Rahul |date=21 September 2025 |title=Irish Midfielder Carl McHugh Set to Join Chennaiyin FC |url=https://revsportz.in/irish-midfielder-carl-mchugh-set-to-join-chennaiyin-fc/ |access-date=7 November 2025 |website=Revsportz {{!}} Sports News Portal {{!}} Latest Sports Articles |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Sligo Rovers=== On 17 November 2025, it was announced that McHugh would sign for [[League of Ireland Premier Division]] club [[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]] on a two-year-contract, from the 2026 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/sport/soccer/carl-mchugh-swaps-india-for-the-showgrounds-as-donegal-man-is-sligo-rovers-second-signing-of-off-season/a1091698450.html|title=Carl McHugh swaps India for the Showgrounds as Donegal man is Sligo Rovers’ second signing of off-season|date=17 November 2025|website=www.independent.ie}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sligorovers.com/midfielder-carl-mchugh-joins-rovers-on-two-year-deal/|title=Midfielder Carl McHugh joins Rovers on two-year deal – Sligo Rovers|date=17 November 2025}}</ref>
==International career== Having previously played for them at [[Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team|under-17]] and [[Republic of Ireland national under-19 football team|under-19]] levels,<ref>{{UEFA player|250012720}}</ref><ref>[http://www.soccerscene.ie/ss_gen/player.php?id=224&level=ss19 Republic of Ireland profile] at SoccerScene</ref> McHugh was called up to the [[Republic of Ireland national under-21 football team|Republic of Ireland under-21]] squad in January 2013.<ref>{{cite news|first=Niall |last=Kelly |url=http://www.thescore.ie/villa-killer-carl-mchugh-called-up-to-ireland-u21-squad-768724-Jan2013/ |title=Villa killer Carl McHugh called up to Ireland U21 squad |work=The Score |date=25 January 2013 |access-date=25 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218040812/http://www.thescore.ie/villa-killer-carl-mchugh-called-up-to-ireland-u21-squad-768724-Jan2013/ |archive-date=18 February 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10182734.International_call_up_for_Bradford_City_teenager_McHugh/|title=International call-up for Bradford City teenager Carl McHugh|author=Simon Parker|date=25 January 2013|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> He made his debut for the under-21 on 6 February 2013, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 3–0 victory over the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/mchugh-642520.aspx|title=McHugh makes Under 21s debut|date=7 February 2013|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.|access-date=7 February 2013|archive-date=17 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917085851/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk//news/article/mchugh-642520.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> McHugh was recalled to the Irish under-21 squad in March 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/mchugh-irish-call-up-723160.aspx|title=McHugh's Irish call up|date=19 March 2013|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.|access-date=19 March 2013|archive-date=17 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917062023/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk//news/article/mchugh-irish-call-up-723160.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> and he earned a second cap for the under-21s on 25 March 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/mchugh-irish-733412.aspx|title=McHugh earns second Irish cap|date=25 March 2013|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.|access-date=27 March 2013|archive-date=6 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806130442/http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/mchugh-irish-733412.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref> He was re-called to the under-21 squad in October 2013 for two Euro Championship qualifiers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10723513.Bradford_City_lose_another_defender_to_international_call|title=Bradford City lose another defender to international call|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}</ref>
==Personal life== McHugh played [[Gaelic football]] for [[CLG Na Rossa|Na Rossa]], where he was coached by All-Ireland winner [[Declan Bonner]].<ref name=mcbrearty_looking_for_time_off>{{cite news|url=https://www.hoganstand.com/donegal/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=184287|title=McBrearty looking for time off|work=Hogan Stand|date=25 January 2013|access-date=25 January 2013}}</ref> He is a close friend of [[Donegal county football team|Donegal]] Gaelic footballer [[Patrick McBrearty]].<ref name=mcbrearty_looking_for_time_off/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/patrick_doesnt_give_an_afl_about_oz|title=Patrick doesn't give an AFL about Oz|newspaper=Donegal Now|date=20 September 2012|access-date=20 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220025044/http://www.donegalnow.com/sp/article_manager/detail/patrick_doesnt_give_an_afl_about_oz|archive-date=20 December 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> McHugh's footballing hero is [[Shay Given]], who also comes from Donegal.<ref name = "Fletcher"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10145594.Bradford_City_v_Aston_Villa__Biggest_night_of_McHugh_s_life__That___s_a_Given_/|title=Bradford City v Aston Villa: Biggest night of McHugh's life? That's a Given!|first=Simon|last=Parker|date=8 January 2013|newspaper=Telegraph & Argus|publisher=Newsquest}}</ref>
== Career statistics == {{updated|match played on 8 May 2026}}<ref>{{soccerway|carl-mchugh/158150}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Includes [[FA Cup]], [[FAI Cup]], [[Scottish Cup]] & [[Super Cup (India)|Super Cup]]}} !colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Includes [[EFL Cup]], [[League of Ireland Cup]], [[Scottish League Cup]] & [[Durand Cup]]}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|[[Reading F.C.|Reading]] |{{nowrap|[[2010–11 Reading F.C. season|2010–11]]}}<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2010|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> |[[EFL Championship]] |0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |[[2011–12 Reading F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2011|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> |EFL Championship |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|–||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0 |- |[[Swindon Supermarine F.C.|Swindon Supermarine]] (loan) |[[2010–11 Southern Football League#Premier Division|2010–11]]<ref name = "Swindon"/> |[[Southern Football League|Southern League Premier Division]] |7||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0||7||2 |- |[[Dundalk F.C.|Dundalk]] (loan) |[[2011 Dundalk F.C. season|2011]]<ref name = "Dundalk"/><ref name = "SW"/> |[[League of Ireland Premier Division]] |12||0||4||0||0||0||0||0||16||0 |- |rowspan="3"|[[Bradford City A.F.C.|Bradford City]] |[[2012–13 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2012|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> |[[EFL League Two|League Two]] |16||1||3||1||6||1||3{{efn|name=FLT|Appearances in [[Football League Trophy]]}}||0||28||3 |- |[[2013–14 Bradford City A.F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2013|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> |[[EFL League One|League One]] |14||1||0||0||1||0||1{{efn|name=FLT}}||0||16||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !30!!2!!3!!1!!7!!1!!4!!0!!44!!4 |- |rowspan="3"|[[Plymouth Argyle F.C.|Plymouth Argyle]] |[[2014–15 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2014|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> |League Two |44||2||1||0||1||1||4<ref group=lower-alpha>Two appearances in the [[Football League Trophy]] and two in [[EFL League Two play-offs|League Two play-offs]]</ref>||0||50||3 |- |[[2015–16 Plymouth Argyle F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2015|accessdate=20 December 2015}}</ref> |League Two |37||3||1||0||1||0||5<ref group=lower-alpha>Two appearances and one goal in [[Football League Trophy]]; three appearances in [[EFL League Two play-offs|League Two play-offs]]</ref>||1||44||4 |- !colspan="2"|Total !81!!5!!2!!0!!2!!1!!9!!1!!94!!7 |- |rowspan="4"|[[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] |[[2016–17 Motherwell F.C. season|2016–17]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2016|accessdate=5 July 2016}}</ref> |[[Scottish Premiership]] |19||2||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||22||2 |- |[[2017–18 Motherwell F.C. season|2017–18]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2017|accessdate=15 July 2017}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |35||0||4||1||8||0||colspan="2"|—||47||1 |- |[[2018–19 Motherwell F.C. season|2018–19]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|66513|2018|accessdate=17 July 2018}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |28||1||1||0||6||0||colspan="2"|—||34||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !82!!3!!6!!1!!16!!0!!0!!0!!104!!4 |- |[[ATK (football club)|ATK]] |[[2019–20 ATK season|2019–20]] |[[Indian Super League]] |6||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0||6||1 |- |rowspan="4"|[[Mohun Bagan Super Giant|Mohun Bagan]] |[[2020–21 ATK Mohun Bagan FC season|2020–21]] |Indian Super League |18||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|Four appearances in [[AFC Cup]]; Three appearances in [[Indian Super League playoffs]]}}||0||25||0 |- |[[2021–22 ATK Mohun Bagan FC season|2021–22]] |Indian Super League |16||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|Three appearances, one goal in [[AFC Cup]]; Two appearances in [[Indian Super League playoffs]]}}||1||21||1 |- |[[2022–23 ATK Mohun Bagan FC season|2022–23]] |Indian Super League |17||3||3||0||3||0||4{{efn|Appearances in [[Indian Super League playoffs]]|name=ISLP}}||0||27||3 |- !colspan="2"|Total !51!!3!!3!!0!!3!!0!!16!!1!!73!!4 |- |rowspan="3"|[[FC Goa|Goa]] |[[2023–24 FC Goa season|2023–24]] |Indian Super League |21||1||3||0||2||1||3{{efn|name=ISLP}}||0||29||2 |- |[[2024–25 Indian Super League|2024–25]] |Indian Super League |20||1||4||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=ISLP}}||0||26||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !41!!2!!7!!0!!2!!1!!5!!0!!55!!3 |- |[[Sligo Rovers F.C.|Sligo Rovers]] |[[2026 League of Ireland Premier Division|2026]] |League of Ireland Premier Division |12||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !322!!18!!25!!2!!30!!3!!34!!2!!411!!25 |} {{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Bradford City'''<ref name = "SW">{{soccerway|carl-mchugh/158150|access-date=20 December 2015}}</ref> *[[Football League Two play-offs]]: [[2013 Football League play-offs#League Two|2013]] *[[Football League Cup]] runner-up: [[2012–13 Football League Cup|2012–13]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/bradford-city-vs-swansea-city/teams/282056 |title=Starting Lineups – Bradford vs Swansea |website=Sky Sports |date=24 February 2013 |access-date=24 March 2024}}</ref>
'''ATK'''<ref name = "SW"/> *[[Indian Super League]]: [[2019–20 Indian Super League|2019–20]]
'''Mohun Bagan'''<ref name = "SW"/> *[[Indian Super League playoffs|ISL Cup]]: [[2023 Indian Super League playoffs|2022–23]] *[[Indian Super League]] runner-up: [[2021 Indian Super League final|2020–21]]
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Sligo Rovers F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:McHugh, Carl}} [[Category:1993 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Kilcar]] [[Category:Association footballers from County Donegal]] [[Category:Gaelic footballers who switched code]] [[Category:Na Rossa Gaelic footballers]] [[Category:English Football League players]] [[Category:League of Ireland players]] [[Category:Scottish Professional Football League players]] [[Category:Indian Super League players]] [[Category:Reading F.C. players]] [[Category:Swindon Supermarine F.C. players]] [[Category:Dundalk F.C. players]] [[Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players]] [[Category:Plymouth Argyle F.C. players]] [[Category:Motherwell F.C. players]] [[Category:ATK (football club) players]] [[Category:Mohun Bagan Super Giant players]] [[Category:FC Goa players]] [[Category:Sligo Rovers F.C. players]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland men's association footballers]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland men's youth international footballers]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland men's under-21 international footballers]] [[Category:Men's association football defenders]] [[Category:Men's association football midfielders]] [[Category:Republic of Ireland expatriate men's association footballers]] [[Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in England]] [[Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in Scotland]] [[Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in India]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Scotland]] [[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in India]] [[Category:21st-century Irish sportsmen]]