United manager Simon Grayson is urging defender Ben Parker to "enjoy himself" during his loan spell with Carlisle United.

The 24-year-old joined the Cumbrians on a one-month loan on Thursday morning and will go straight into their squad for the clash with Hartlepool United at the weekend.

The game could see Ben make his first competitive start in 12 months - his last was against Arsenal in the FA Cup at Elland Road last season - and the Leeds boss is hoping he will have a fruitful spell with the League One side.

While the loan move is all about building up Ben's match fitness with competitive games, the player is also acutely aware that his contract expires at the end of the current season and he is keen to earn a new one with Leeds.

"Nothing's to say he can't do that because he's a good player," said Grayson.

"We've all seen Ben Parker when he's fully fit and what he can contribute. He's had a lot of injuries. He needs to play for his own benefit.

"He's got over a lot of barriers with the injuries and niggles and he needs to go out and enjoy himself playing football again and anythi9ng beyond that will take care of himself."