Midfielder Jason Kennedy will be like a new signing when he makes his long awaited Carlisle United return in the new year.

That’s the verdict of assistant manager Tommy Wright, who says Kennedy is making good progress on his long road back from injury.

The popular player is back in training and will have further medical assessments next month as he steps up his comeback.

United hope the 32-year-old will be fit to return in January after more than a year out with a pelvis injury.

Wright said: “He’s doing really, really well.

“He’s started training, and he’ll then see the specialist [about] how it’s gone in the middle of December.

“He’s looked good, had no after effects, and to get him back would be a massive plus.

“He’s very popular, he’s a good guy, and he’s a player me and John [Sheridan] have admired for a lot of years when he’s played against us for different clubs.

“If we could get him fit for January it would be like a new signing so everybody’s fingers are crossed for him.”