Former Carlisle United loan man Connor Malley has joined one of their League Two rivals.

The midfielder has signed a short-term deal with Rochdale aftre a trial spell.

The 22-year-old links up with Robbie Stockdale's side after his recent release by Middlesbrough.

He could come up against the Cumbrians next month with Dale visiting Brunton Park on September 3.

Malley said he was delighted to join the Spotland club.

Speaking on the club website, he said: "Ever since I came in, I’ve felt like the manager has wanted me to be here.

"In the games, he’s given me the license to express myself and show what I can do.

“Thankfully, he’s decided to put his trust in me and bring me to club."

Stockdale added: "He’s missed a block of training since then so it will take him a bit of time to get up to speed.

“In terms of ability, we all saw what we could do, especially in the Scunthorpe friendly.

“He's a very good passer of the ball. He will keep the ball very well for us. It’s a bonus that he’s got a physical stature on the pitch as well."

“It’s a deal that suits us and a deal that suits Connor. We feel we’re in a good place to develop players, he wants to do that, he’s quite keen to be here and he’s turned down longer contracts at clubs to come to us."

Malley was on loan at United from Boro in the 2020/21 season, making five appearances.

He spent time on loan with Gateshead last season, where he was a team-mate of Blues loanee Taylor Charters as the north east outfit won the National League North title.