Former Carlisle United goalkeeper Michael Kelly has signed for one of the Blues' League Two rivals.

The 27-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with Accrington Stanley.

His move comes soon after his departure from MK Dons.

It seals the Irish keeper's future ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

Kelly was United's second-choice keeper in the 2022/23 promotion season after joining from Bray Wanderers.

He understudied Tomas Holy during the campaign and was regarded as a positive character in the squad that achieved play-off success in League Two.

After being released, he joined MK Dons and made 20 appearances as they lost out in the play-off semi-finals.

He will now face the Blues next season and Accrington boss John Doolan told the club website: "Michael's played for MK Dons, who are a good side. If you play for them, you've got to be able to use your feet.

"Andy Dibble [Accrington goalkeeper coach and a former Carlisle keeper] has done a lot of work on the keepers, so he brought Michael to us.

"He is one of ours now, so we're pleased that we've got Michael over the line, and we're looking forward to working with him.

"Michael's experience is great for the younger lads and he'll be good in the dressing room, that's for sure."

Kelly believes he has joined a club who can push for promotion next season, adding: "I'm delighted to get it done.

"I was part of the Milton Keynes Dons squad up here last year, so I could see how good the fans are and how good the club is.

"John Doolan and Ged Brannan are putting together what looks like a good squad, and I think hopefully we can be up the right end of the table.

"There's really, really good people around the club, and you can see that from the moment you walk in the building, so I'm just looking forward to it."

Kelly made three EFL Trophy appearances for United during the 2022/23 campaign, and was regular substitute keeper in the league.

His value behind the scenes was recently cited by former Blues captain Paul Huntington, who said United had not replaced "characters" such as Kelly after being promoted.

"The likes of Tobi [Sho-Silva], Jamie [Devitt] and Mick hardly played, but they were a real positive influence around the place,” Huntington told the News & Star. 

Accrington finished 17th in League Two last season.