Morgan Feeney says he is relishing throwing himself into Carlisle United’s pre-season training – and says it feels like a fresh start.

The defender is enjoying his first pre-season with the Cumbrians after joining the Blues in January.

Feeney’s early months at Brunton Park were blighted by a broken foot which he suffered in training soon after joining.

It means the former Everton and Sunderland man could not be more enthusiastic about the challenges ahead now.

“It’s almost like signing for a new club again, even though I’ve been settled from the first day I walked in and everyone was brilliant with me,” he said.

“It’s hard to feel part of the team when you can’t really contribute and you hadn’t contributed prior to getting injured.

“The off-season was massive for me just to have that little break to work on myself and really put the work in and come back.

“I’m looking forward to it, it’s like a complete new slate for me.”

Feeney, who was handed a new one-year contract by the Blues in the close-season, says he already put in plenty of work this summer ahead of the return to training with Chris Beech’s squad.

He says he feels in the best possible shape as he targets a first-team place in the 2021/22 season.

“I always work myself hard on the off-season, to make sure I come back in the best position I possibly can,” he said.

“The hard work’s paid off because I’m feeling good on the pitch, I’m feeling fit, and now just hoping to get fitter through the running and sessions we do.

“I’ve come back feeling the best I’ve felt in a couple of years, if not ever. I’m feeling really good and positive about it.

“I’m thoroughly enjoying it and every day I’ve got a smile on my face.”

Former England youth international Feeney, 22, says it has been demanding but enjoyable work so far – even in the recent hot conditions.

“It’s been really warm – I think it’s been hotter than most pre-seasons I’ve done,” he said. “With my skin, I’ve got plenty of sun cream on…

“It just makes the running that little bit harder – the little sessions you do, even the small passing drills can be tough in the heat. You need to be in really good shape, make sure you’re recovering well and looking after yourself. But it puts a bit of a smile on your face when it’s like this.”

On the training sessions laid on by Chris Beech and his coaches, the centre-half said: “The demands are really high, both with the ball and fitness-wise.

“We’ve got the right balance, all the lads look really sharp and fit. We’ve been doing quite a bit of ball work, eased our way in and are starting to get up to good match tempo type drills now.

“The running is ramping up, and it’s the right balance at the minute of staying fit and making sure everyone’s sharp on the ball and in a good place for the season.

“The lads are all looking forward to just training and playing. I think it’s just a natural progression of ramping things up as weeks go by and getting you ready for playing matches with a quick turnaround.

“It’s quite meticulous in the way it’s done. It’s tough but you’ve got to train your body to be ready for that. Every session we’re just looking forward to what’s coming and what we can do with it.”

Feeney is targeting a big season with the Blues as he bids to make a big impact after moving on from his previous spells at Goodison Park and the Stadium of Light.

He faces competition from the likes of Aaron Hayden, Rod McDonald and new boy Corey Whelan for a defensive place.

“For me, I want it to be a massive season,” he said. “I want to be a big part of playing this season.

“Competition for places is high in most positions. Everyone’s got to be on the ball and sharp, which the lads have been.

“It drives each other on and makes sure the standard’s high constantly, it’s only going to create a winning environment.”

Feeney said United’s three new signings have all slotted in well – with ex-Liverpool man Whelan a familiar face.

The two defenders faced each other in Merseyside derby games at Under-23 level.

“We talked about that the other day,” Feeney smiled. “The last time we [Everton] went to Anfield and won 2-0, which was a sweet one as an Everton fan, but I try not to mention it too many times. I didn’t want to upset him on his first couple of days!”