Right back Tony Kane committed his future to Carlisle United tonight when he signed a two-year deal that keeps him at Brunton Park until the summer of 2011.

Kane, 21, met up with club secretary Sarah McKnight at 8pm on Tuesday evening to complete the formalities, on his return from summer break, and will take his place in the squad for the first pre-season session on Wednesday morning.

Belfast-born Kane, a former Blackburn trainee, said: "It's good to be able to get this done and get on with things.

"I have enjoyed my time with United and it's good to be able to settle down and hopefully kick on from here."

Abbott said: "I expect to see Tony really start to improve and push his way forward now that he has joined us.

"We always knew that he was coming, because it was agreed a while ago, but it is good to have him on board as we prepare for what we hope will be an exciting season."