Carlisle United have handed a new two-year deal to teenage midfielder Josh Dixon.

The 18-year-old only stepped up to the professional ranks this summer.

But the Blues have been sufficiently impressed to quickly upgrade his terms.

Carlisle-born Dixon is now contracted to the summer of 2021, his deal including a further option.

The youngster put in a good display in Tuesday's pre-season friendly against Hibernian.

He has also caught the eye in training on his return to full fitness after a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Dixon, who has come through the club's academy, becomes the latest young player at United to be awarded longer terms, after Jarrad Branthwaite and Leeds-bound Liam McCarron.

Manager Steven Pressley said Dixon was another "asset" the club wanted to safeguard.

“He’s shown great signs over the last few weeks and as a club we want to protect ourselves and our prized assets,” Pressley said on United's website.

"I’ve been delighted with him in the way he’s applied himself and the potential he’s shown has been magnificent.

“I’ve made it clear to him that he still has a long way to go, but in the short period of time I’ve worked with him I’ve seen that there is a real opportunity for him to kick on and have a good career.

“He’s from a very good family and he’s a solid young man, and we want him to continue his development here as a Carlisle United player.”

Director of football David Holdsworth added: “I met with Josh’s parents this afternoon and obviously we're all delighted that this young man has shown real potential and a real desire to progress.

“We want to be part of his development and we want that to lead to him doing good things for the club he's grown up supporting. We’re all really pleased and we’re looking forward to seeing him push on from here.”