Carlisle United expect to strike a longer deal for Louis Gray after John Sheridan revealed fellow keeper Luke O'Reilly is suffering from stress.

Gray, who had been on loan at United last season, was on the bench at Oldham after rejoining the Blues as cover.

Sheridan said a short-term contract was expected for the ex-Everton man with O'Reilly currently away from the club.

United's boss said: "It happened quickly [with Gray] - we brought him in because we needed cover.

"He'll be in, whether it's to Christmas or whatever - we've got to sort things out in the background.

"He knows the place, he's a good addition, seems nice and bright and Adam [Collin] needs pushing.

"I'm very pleased with the way he [Collin] is playing at the moment but I don't want anyone in a comfort zone."

Gray's arrival followed O'Reilly's absence from the squad for last Tuesday night's defeat to Grimsby.

The former Cardiff and Tottenham man was again not involved on Saturday.

The 22-year-old joined Carlisle in late August on a half-season deal.

"Luke is off with stress at the moment. We will see what the best situation is and what develops, and we'll sort it out," Sheridan said.