Cumbrians swoop for Parker

Carlisle have completed the signing of Leeds defender Ben Parker a month's loan.

The 24-year-old, who considered quitting the game due a catalogue of injuries and operations over the last two years, will stay with the npower League One club until February 25.

Manager Greg Abbott said: "We asked about Ben last Friday because he's one I know really well. He's a good player who needs games and he's one who will add to the depth we have here.

"He's another who is versatile and is chomping at the bit to be involved, so we're more than happy to have him here.

"He's training with us and I'm sure he'll fit in well and we can take it from there."

Parker has suffered several injury setbacks since first sustaining a calf injury on the opening day of the 2009/10 season and has been restricted to just eight first-team appearances in the two-and-a-half years that have followed.