Middlesbrough keeper Joe Fryer set out his ambition to be Carlisle United's No1 in a promotion season under new manager John Sheridan.

The 22-year-old yesterday became the manager's fourth summer signing just in time for the start of pre-season training.

Fryer linked up with his new team-mates for their first training session under Sheridan, conducted in sweltering heat at Creighton.

The boss is chasing more new faces, including another keeper to provide competition for Fryer.

But Boro academy graduate Fryer, who has signed a season-long loan deal, says he wants to play a key part for United in 2018/19.

"If I get hold of the shirt I won't be letting it go, that's for sure," Fryer told the News & Star . "I'll put 100 per cent in, every day, every game."

A deal to bring Fryer to United was finalised yesterday morning, with the keeper having made 32 appearances on loan for Stevenage last season after a previous loan spell at Hartlepool.

The Chester-le-Street-born player added: "I'm absolutely delighted and I can't wait to get going.

"To come in at this stage gives me plenty of time to get to know the lads, to know what makes them tick and also to prove myself to the manager before that first league game at Exeter.

"There were a few rumours [about the move] a week ago but it was Wednesday night when it got finalised before going through the next morning. As soon as I found out Carlisle were interested I was 100 per cent – 'yeah, I'm there'.

"The size of the club, the ambition of the club - it excited me. Big ground, good fanbase, ambitious manager...it all appealed to me. I want to be promoted and to help push this club on to where it deserves to be."

On his first session with Sheridan's squad, Fryer added: "It was the first day back for the lads, although I'm fortunate enough to have had a couple of days [with Boro] under my belt beforehand.

"It was a tough morning but that's to be expected."

The 6ft 4in keeper followed fellow new recruits Gary Miller, Macaulay Gillesphey and George Glendon into the club.

Sheridan said he is seeking another "four or five" additions and more additions are expected soon.

Along with new assistant manager Tommy Wright and first-team coach Paul Murray, he oversaw his first training-ground work as Carlisle boss yesterday.

Fryer's arrival meant the Blues had at least one senior keeper on the books for the start of training, after loanees Jack Bonham and Louis Gray, and youngster Morgan Bacon, left the club last month.

Sheridan says Fryer's loan spell at Stevenage, which included a clean-sheet at Brunton Park in their 2-0 win last September, caught the eye.

"We’re pleased to get Joe into the building. He’s a young keeper who did really well at Stevenage last year so he knows this league," the Blues boss said.

"He wanted to come out on loan again and thankfully Middlesbrough have allowed him to do that. He’s a really good addition and we’re pleased to have him here."