Midfielder Russell Penn has joined National League side Gateshead on a one-month loan

The deal will keep him in the north-east until Tuesday, October 25.

Penn, 30, left York City in the summer to join the Cumbrians.

But the former Kidderminster Harriers, Burton Albion and Cheltenham Town man, who also played for England C earlier in his career, has featured in just two competitive games since his arrival at Brunton Park.

He was an 84th-minute substitute, coming on for Nicky Adams, in the Blues' 1-0 win against Barnet at the Hive Stadium and replaced Mike Jones in the final moments of the 5-4 Checkatrade Trophy victory at Oldham.

Penn has been part of play-off campaigns at Cheltenham and York in recent seasons but has struggled to break into Keith Curle's plans during the Blues' unbeaten start to the season.

The 30-year-old did start United's reserve game at Oldham on Tuesday, though, which ended 2-2 after Shaun Miller and Joe McKee scored for Carlisle.

He will now head to the Gateshead International Stadium for at least the next month.

Neil Aspin's men are currently 10th in the National League on 17 points from 11 matches.