Alex McQueen has completed his Carlisle United comeback with a short-term deal at Brunton Park - along with fellow trialist Kevin Wright.

The pair have tonight agreed month-long terms with manager Keith Curle as the Blues prepare for Saturday's FA Cup second round clash with Rochdale.

Curle said funds to sign the pair had been freed up by David Atkinson's month-long loan departure to Evo-Stik Northern Premier club Blyth Spartans.

And the double deal sees McQueen rejoin United some three months after leaving the club at the end of last season.

Curle had dropped his interest in retaining the former Tottenham man in August having been disappointed at a lack of contact with McQueen over the summer.

United's boss, though, said that situation is now in the past having assessed the right-back in training over recent weeks.

And he believes both McQueen, 21, and former Chelsea left-back Wright, 20, are worth a chance.

Curle said: "They're not going to come here and retire. It's short-term contracts that give them the opportunity to showcase what they've got and try and force their way into the team.

"They've got pace, dynamics, the ability to travel with the ball and turn defence into attack, and the ability to play in different formations with the flexibility that pace gives you.

"Alex came into the building last season as a project and did very well. There were certain things that then developed off the field with [the] advice [he received] but that's been put behind us.

"Kevin, too, is a young man waiting for an opportunity to showcase what he's got. Are they going to come in and start games straight away - who knows?"

Wright left Chelsea in the summer having come through the youth ranks at the Stamford Bridge giants since the age of 10.

His spell at the London club included roles in Chelsea's FA Youth Cup and Under-21 Premier League victories in 2014, but his latter years there were interrupted by injury.

Curle said signing the two players would be for a similar amount of money, combined, as United will recoup from fellow defender Atkinson's move to Blyth until January 2.

The former Middlesbrough man could make his debut against Buxton on Saturday, while the Blues will be aiming to topple their League One visitors to reach the third round of the FA Cup.

Jabo Ibehre (back) is unlikely to be involved but Jamie Devitt rejoins the squad after suspension against a Rochdale side who are fifth in League One.

Yet Keith Hill's team - featuring former Carlisle winger Joe Thompson - have only won twice on the road all season, while the Blues are unbeaten at Brunton Park.

Curle said: "We've done our homework and had a look at them [Rochdale]. They're a very good team with good energy, they move the ball well and have a good identity in how they play.

"It's a good opportunity to test ourselves against a team with a lot of confidence and riding high in their division - and a chance to progress in a competition we've got good memories from last season.

"There's nothing to be scared of. The potential rewards add a bit of extra tension and pressure. And Rochdale will probably think if they get a draw and take Carlisle back to their ground, they'll be obvious favourites.

"But if you come to Carlisle and sit back, that puts us on the front foot - and a lot of people are finding that Carlisle on the front foot can be a difficult animal. Likewise, if you attack us, we can handle a confrontation."

United are targeting £27,000 prize money on Saturday and a place in Monday night's third round draw, while they will again be in cup action next Tuesday night at Brunton Park against Mansfield in the Checkatrade Trophy.

Curle insisted the cups were not being viewed as a distraction to his table-topping side. He added: "Any time a player represents me and the club they have to put in a performance worthy of the shirt.

"I like the FA Cup. It's something you can get your teeth into. Last season's exploits we very much enjoyed as a club."