Carlisle United have made their first signing of the January transfer window - Altrincham right-back Joel Senior.

The 22-year-old defender has joined the Cumbrians on an 18-month deal.

United have paid an undisclosed fee to secure Senior's services.

The former Oldham Athletic and Burnley player has impressed for Altrincham this season in his 23 appearances for the National League club.

Didsbury-born Senior started with Oldham and came through the ranks at Boundary Park before being released at 15.

He rebuilt his career in part-time football with Sunday League side Hough End and non-league outfit Maine Road whilst working in an engineering and design company.

He then moved on to FC United of Manchester before a spell at Curzon Ashton saw Senior snapped up by Burnley.

He joined the Clarets' academy in 2019, where his opportunities were limited by injuries and the impact of Covid.

He moved on to Altrincham in summer 2020 and has clocked up 62 appearances in a season-and-a-half, his team-mates this season including ex-Blues midfielder Dean Furman.

He was a multiple winner at Alty's end-of-season player of the year awards in May and signed a new one-year deal in the summer.

He last played in Alty's 3-0 defeat to Wrexham on December 29 in a campaign which saw him attract interest from the EFL, and he has now left the club who are 16th in the National League in favour of stepping up a division to join Keith Millen's Cumbrians as the first signing under the new boss.

Senior's arrival is expected to be the start of a crucial period of recruitment for the Blues, who are also aiming to make attacking additions.

It now remains to be seen whether Senior will be involved for United in Tuesday's Papa John's Trophy last-16 trip to Harrogate Town.

His first league involvement in the Cumbrians' squad could come against Bradford City on Saturday.

Altrincham boss Phil Parkinson, speaking on his club's website, said: "It is a fantastic opportunity for Joel.

"That’s why he came here - to progress and move forward.

"We took a risk on him as much as the other way round, and he has got his just reward for all the hard work he has put in.

"It is disappointing to lose one of your best players, of course it is. No-one knew who Joel was before he came to us, but we have helped him develop and given him a platform to showcase his talents," added Parkinson, who has filled Senior's void by signing Jamie Morgan from Chester.