Carlisle United have loaned promising young defender Josh O’Brien to Carlisle City.

The big centre-back has linked up with the Northern League Division One side on a half-season deal.

O’Brien is one of four young Blues players on a third-year scholarship deal.

United believe the best initial step for the teenager is to gain first-team experience at Dan Kirkup’s City.

It is a second loan move for the 18-year-old, who has a short-lived spell with Workington Reds last season.

United manager Paul Simpson hopes O’Brien’s move to City will benefit all parties – whilst also leading to closer links between the clubs.

“He [O’Brien] needs to play games, that's the big thing,” said Simpson.

“Carlisle City showed an interest.

“I think a team over in the north east had also shown an interest, but we wanted him close by.

“I would like to get a relationship with Carlisle City, with Dan Kirkup being there.

Dan Kirkup has replaced Jim Nichols at the Carlisle City helmDan Kirkup has replaced Jim Nichols at the Carlisle City helm (Image: Jordan McGrath)

“So I'm pleased that he wanted Josh and hopefully he'll get the games and benefit from it.”

Former United defender Kirkup this summer replaced Jim Nichols at the City helm.

It is the 36-year-old’s first step into management having been an influential player at the Gillford Park club in recent years.

O’Brien, who was on the first-team bench for Carlisle's League One game against Blackpool in April, could be in action for City today when they host Creetown.

City, commenting on the defender’s arrival, said: “We are pleased to welcome Josh O’Brien to Gillford Park as he joins the Sky Blues on a youth loan deal, thank you to  Carlisle United for their help with arranging this.

“We look forward to seeing this talented young defender in action in the coming weeks.”

O'Brien, Sam Hetherington, Jake Allan and Aran Fitzpatrick are all on third-year scholarship deals at United, the latter three remaining with the first-team squad at present.

O’Brien is joined at City by his former United youth team-mate Romeo Park, who recently joined Kirkup’s squad after his release from Brunton Park at the end of last season.