Carlisle United boss Steven Pressley says new signing Mark Cullen turned down a League One move in favour of joining the Blues.

The Blackpool striker today linked up with the Cumbrians on loan until the end if the season.

Pressley said the 26-year-old is two weeks away from full fitness having returned from a stress fracture to his leg.

But United's manager said Cullen would soon add genuine goalscoring pedigree to Carlisle's strikeforce.

"He turned down the opportunity to go to a League One club to come here, and he’s very hungry to do well," Pressley said.

"That tells you he was very keen to join us, which is a great aspect, because I want players who want to be here."

The Carlisle manager added that ex-Luton and Hull man Cullen has "a proven track record" at League Two level, having helped Blackpool to play-off glory in 2017.

He scored in that year's final against Exeter along with ex-Blues played Brad Potts.

"He’s had promotion from this league and he’s a very hard working striker that possesses the type of character we’ve been looking to bring in," Pressley added.

"He’s a more natural number nine than we’ve been playing with, and he’s a little bit similar to Jerry Yates in many respects.

"They both work very hard for the team and have a goal threat. Although Mark is small, he’s got a strong physical presence.

"I think it’s a very good acquisition for us. He is still a couple of weeks away from full fitness, following his injury, but he's back in training now and working hard.

“He’s a player used to getting promotion and being at the top end of the table, so we hope he can bring that experience here.

"He gives us different options. We’ve been playing Dev [Jamie Devitt] as a false nine and he gives us another string to our bow."

Cullen is United's third January signing after the arrivals of loanee Connor Simpson and ex-Shrewsbury man Arthur Gnahoua.