New signing Jack Robinson already looks like he “means business” at Carlisle United.

That is the initial verdict of assistant boss Gavin Skelton on the Middlesbrough loan defender.

The 21-year-old left-sided player became United’s first January signing this week on a half-season loan deal with a view to a permanent move.

Robinson’s first task is to force his way into the side – and then to impress Paul Simpson enough to earn a longer Cumbrian stay.

Coach Skelton says the new boy is wasting little time in making his case on the training ground.

“He’s come in and looks as if he really means business,” said Skelton.

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“He’s really got stuck in and you can tell he’s here to make his mark; not to make up the numbers, but to get in that team if he can.

“If he gets in and he’s better than the others [on the left of United’s defence], brilliant, but if he’s pushing the other two to go up another level, we’re a winner too.

“We want to get better as a squad and team. I think he can definitely [help us] do that from what we’ve seen in the first two days in training.”

Robinson will be hoping to be involved in the squad for the first time when United return to action against Newport County next Saturday.

The Boro academy graduate, who has previous loan experience at Yeovil Town, will offer competition at left wing-back for Jack Armer, and can also play as a left-sided central defender, a position currently occupied by Jon Mellish.

“He’ll add competition, real competition,” said Skelton.

“He can definitely play left centre-half but his prominent position is that left side [wing back].

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“But when Jon has missed a couple of games, we’ve had to put a right footer in there which isn’t always ideal and he [Robinson] can cover there.”

Robinson’s Boro contract is up at the end of the season and Skelton hopes to see the young defender seize his chance with the Blues.

“It’s a big opportunity for him to come and impress, try and get in the team, earn a contract and make a career,” said Simpson’s No2.

“It’s always a difficult period, in your early 20s when you’re trying to find your way.

“He’ll be desperate to try and do well, earn a contract and really kickstart his career.”