Carlisle United have today agreed to allow 23-year-old central defender Josh Gowling to stay with Hereford United until 5 May 2009.

Gowling joined the Bulls for an initial five-week loan spell at the end of November but, after a successful stay, will now see the season out at Edgar Street.

The tall centre half made just six appearances for United following his summer move from Bournemouth and has also made six appearances for Hereford, including a start in the 5-0 drubbing of Oldham last weekend.

Greg Abbott explained: "We have agreed to the move, and Josh was eligible to play tomorrow anyway, so it is now just a case of Hereford completing the paperwork at their end.

"Once that is done, he will be registered to play for them until the end of the season.

"It's a good move for him, as it will get him regular first team football. He has enjoyed it down there, and there are others in front of him in the pecking order up here, so we were happy to agree to this extended stay."