Chantler all smiles after first start

Carlisle midfielder Chris Chantler has spoken of his excitement after making his first Football League start in the weekend draw with Walsall.

The 21-year-old, a permanent signing from Manchester City following a loan spell in November, was employed at left-back by Cumbrians boss Greg Abbott due to Matty Robson's back injury and thrived in the matchday atmosphere.

Chantler told the club's official website: "It feels good to be starting a game. I wasn't sure I would be involved until Saturday morning, with the injury situation, but it felt great.

"To be on the pitch when there are 5,000 people there, it's what you play for.

"The first few touches are important. My nerves built up before the game and I think I was more nervous before kick off than I was when I was actually out on the pitch.

"I had Danny [Livesey] next to me and he was great. He kept talking to me and making sure that my positioning was right and he'd told me he was going to do that before the game."