Carlisle United have completed the signing of former Blues favourite Joe Garner.

The striker has joined the Cumbrians for a FOURTH time, having left Fleetwood Town.

The popular frontman has signed an 18-month deal.

And he will bolster Paul Simpson's strikeforce as they push for promotion in the second half of the season.

It will be a latest spell at the club for Garner, who played for the Blues on loan in 2006/7, as a permanent signing in 2007/8 and on loan again in 2012/13.

"He’s a great addition to the squad and I’m really pleased that we’ve got it over the line," said manager Simpson, whose side face play-off rivals Bradford City this Saturday.

Garner scored three goals in 24 appearances for Fleetwood in the first half of the season, one of which came at Brunton Park in the Papa John's Trophy.

READ MORE: Why Garner is right to return to Carlisle United one last time

He departs the League One club having scored eight goals in 44 appearances overall, in a season and a half.

As well as his three past United spells, he was previously with Wigan Athletic, APOEL Nicosia, Ipswich Town, Rangers, Preston North End, Watford, Scunthorpe United, Huddersfield Town, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers.

Simpson, speaking on United's website, added: "It’s taken a little bit of work but we think he’s going to complement what is already a strong group really well.

“Another massive thing about this is that he’s made it quite clear from the off that he wants to be here. The reason it’s taken so long isn’t because of the fact that he didn’t want to come, it’s the exact opposite.

“He wanted it sorted as much as we did but these things sometimes take a bit of time. He’s here now and I’m looking forward to working with him.

“I think he’ll be a really good person and character to have in the dressing room because he drives standards on and off the grass. I’m sure our supporters will be delighted to see him back.

“He adds a bit of nouse and know-how. He brings a bit of nastiness, and a way of really causing problems, and along with all of that he’s also a really good striker.

“He’s different to the others we’ve got and I’ve said for a while that I wanted another experienced striker, and he certainly ticks that box."