Striker Francoise Zoko has signed an initial one-year deal with United, with a view to an extension, that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2010/11 campaign. 

Zoko joined the Cumbrians for a one-week trial period at the start of July and was asked to prolong his stay as he caught the eye during the early pre-season friendly run of games.

Manager Greg Abbott said: "Francois has done really well and he has shown us that he can bring something a little bit different to what we already have here.

"He's strong and he causes problems for opposition defenders, and he has fitted in well with the lads over the course of the last month.

"We think that he'll continue to improve and that he'll be a good signing for us, so we're looking forward to working with him.

"The key thing that has come out of talking to him today is that it's clear that he really wants to be here and that he wants to impress the people of Carlisle with what he can do. That's exactly the kind of attitude that we want at this club."

Zoko signed for AS Nancy in 2001 and spent three seasons with the club before moving to Laval. He then had spells with Mons and Hacette Spor Kulubu, and was most recently with KV Oostende.

An Ivory Coast U20 and U23 international, he has made 19 appearances for his country at that level.

The player, who lists learning to speak English as one of his main priorities away from the football pitch, said: "Everyone has been fantastic with me since the moment I joined the club.

"The manager and the owners have told me that they want to take the club to the next level and I want to come here and help them with that.

"I am really looking forward to playing for Carlisle United and I hope that I score goals and do well."