Carlisle boss Greg Abbott admits he is contemplating using experienced defender Ian Harte as a centre-half.

Abbott moved the 32-year-old to a central position for last weekend's victory over Southend after he has struggled in recent weeks in his customary left-back position.

And now Abbott is considering using Harte in the middle on a permanent basis.

"He certainly looked really comfortable there (against Southend)," Abbott told the News and Star.

"He hasn't got the pace he had in his earlier days - although he has never been lightning-quick - but he is a good reader of the game, he has got great distribution, and his understanding of the game is very good.

"I don't want to say Ian is going to be my long-term figure there, because other people might think I am not going to select them. But he certainly looked a lot better there than he has done in recent weeks."