Carlisle United sign Nottingham Forest defender Fin Back on loan

The 19-year-old full-back has joined the Cumbrians on a season-long loan.

Manager Paul Simpson had been keen to bolster his squad in the defensive positions.

And he has now moved for the versatile player from the City Ground club.

Back made five first-team outings for Forest last season (photo: PA)

Back - whose father is England World Cup winning former rugby union star Neil Back - could make his debut in Saturday's pre-season friendly against Bolton Wanderers at Brunton Park.

The young player made five first-team appearances last season for his parent club, who were promoted to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs.

Blues boss Simpson, speaking on the club's website, said Back would give an important right-sided option.

He also cited his good relationship with Forest boss Steve Cooper - the pair were previously England Under-20 and Under-17 managers respectively - as key to the deal.

“He’s a player we identified a number of weeks ago," Simpson said.

"He’s been in and around the Forest [first] team through the first part of their pre-season, so we’ve had to wait patiently for it to finally get agreed.

“I think my friendship with Steve Cooper has certainly helped us, so I’ve been able to talk to him and then Greg [Abbott, United's head of recruitment] has taken it up from there.

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“He’s a player we identified a number of weeks ago," Simpson said.

"He’s been in and around the Forest [first] team through the first part of their pre-season, so we’ve had to wait patiently for it to finally get agreed.

“I think my friendship with [Forest boss] Steve Cooper has certainly helped us, so I’ve been able to talk to him and then Greg [Abbott, United's head of recruitment] has taken it up from there.

“Greg has badgered the life out of them over the last couple of weeks to finally get it done and I’m delighted that he’s here because I think he’ll really improve the group we’ve got.”

Fin's father is former England rugby union star Neil Back (photo: PA)

Simpson said Back was a young player with "loads of energy and a fantastic attitude".

He added: “I’m looking forward to seeing him go up and down the line as a right wing-back for us.

"He can play at right back and in midfield as well, but my first thought is to see him in the wing back role.

“I know Forest think really highly of him and, having had quite a few conversations with him, he seems a really good personality.

“He’s desperate to make a successful career in football for himself and he was very close to being involved down at Forest.

“I think if they hadn’t got promotion to the Premier League he’d have played more games for them this season. We’re benefiting from the fact that they have gone up, and fingers crossed he’ll come in and show us what he’s all about.

“He’s hungry to play, and I’ll take younger or senior players every day of the week when that’s their mindset. I want players who want to be out on the pitch and doing their jobs."

Back has joined United on loan for the 2022/23 season (photo: Amy Nixon)

On Back's famous sporting father, Simpson added: "It does no harm at all to come from that kind of background and environment.

“He’s seen the personality traits that are needed to bring success in professional sport. He’s got that mentality, and he knows that coming here is part of his progression.

“It’s now up to him to earn his place and to get appearances under his belt. He’ll need to show us he deserves to get the shirt and then that he deserves to keep it, and I’m looking forward to him taking that challenge up.”

Simpson, meanwhile, added there was nothing "imminent" on further deals, but said the Blues remained keen to add to their squad.