Leeds United defender Ben Parker has joined Carlisle United on loan until February 25.

The 24-year-old will join the League One side for a month as he looks to continue building up his match fitness, following a stop-start two years that has seen him undergo a number of operations.

The defender recently paid tribute to United's medical staff for keeping his spirits going after he had considered quitting the game due to injury.

But Ben returned to action once again before Christmas and has now played a number of behind-closed-doors games with no ill effects as he looks to regain his match fitness.

Ben, who made four appearances last season and started both FA Cup clashes with Arsenal, links up with former United youth coach Greg Abbott at Brunton Park and he will be available for six league games during his time with the Cumbrians.

Carlisle are currently seventh in the division, pushing for the Play-Offs, and manager Simon Grayson believes a loan move is the next step on the comeback trail for the player.

"This is something we've been looking at for a few weeks now," said the boss.

"Ben has had a very, very difficult few years with injury and it's testament to him and the physios that he has come through it and is back playing again.

"The physios have been keeping a close on eye him over the past few weeks with the increase in training and the games, and he has come through well.

"The next logical step once he was playing again was a loan move to play some competitive games and with Carlisle going so well at the moment this is a move that suits everyone."