Rejuvenated Carlisle United midfielder Kelvin Etuhu says some tough love from manager John Sheridan is getting the best out of him.

The 30-year-old says Blues boss Sheridan is on his back 24/7 to ensure he keeps his standards high.

Etuhu, man-of-the-match in Tuesday's win against Port Vale, says he is also feeling the benefits of Sheridan's faith in giving him a run of games in United's engine room.

The former Bury and Barnsley man said: "I've not really had a consistent time in midfield since I've been here, so it's nice to have a few games in the position consecutively, and hopefully I'll get stronger as each game goes on.

"I'm happy the manager is showing some belief in me.

"He doesn't let me slack. He is 100 per cent on me every minute of every day. But he is doing a lot of good for me in terms of progressing."

Having made a positive start to the campaign, Etuhu is keen to ensure he continues in similar fashion after a frustrating first season at Brunton Park.

Injuries restricted him to just 23 appearances in 2017/18 and the Nigeria-born player says he is working hard away from the pitch in a bid to have a better campaign this time.

"I want to keep fit, that's the main thing, and I'm taking my recovery seriously - doing a lot of work away from the field to keep myself fit and make the games," he said.

"It's a lot more recovery, and a lot more attention to detail with the training.

"The manager and coaching staff have done that well - tapered the training down so we are all at it on game day. That's helped a lot."

Etuhu says a strong team spirit is developing under Sheridan as United target a third straight win at home to Crewe this weekend.

He added: "We've got a good dressing room and that team spirit makes you want to work hard for the fans, team-mates and manager.

"Winning a game like Tuesday's is a great feeling. We all want to do well and impress.

"We just have to keep doing the basics well, keep working hard. Crewe will be a tough game, as every game in this league is.

"There's no room for complacency."

Etuhu, meanwhile, says he would be prepared to repeat his surprise outing at right-back against Northampton if Sheridan demands it.

It was an unexpected defensive role for the midfielder in the 2-2 draw on August 11. He said: "The manager wanted me to do a job there, and if he wants me to to that job for the team, and sees a different tactical decision, I'll do what I can for my team-mates.

"It was completely new - I'd never done it before."