Gethin Jones is staying at Carlisle United after signing a deal until the end of the season.

The Blues today confirmed that the versatile defender would be extending his stay at Brunton Park.

Jones' initial short-term deal was close to expiring but United have now secured the ex-Fleetwood man for the rest of the campaign.

The news will come as a boost to the Blues and their forthcoming challenges in league and cup given Jones' consistent displays since joining under former boss Steven Pressley in September.

The former Everton player has been involved in every minute of United's league games since his debut against Stevenage.

He has been used in both full-back positions across 24 appearances, and head coach Chris Beech this week said Jones was the sort of player he wanted to work with.

Beech said: “Gethin knows my thoughts on him. He’s very professional, he’s consistent, he’s never ill, never injured, he’s adaptable and he’s available.

"He’ll make mistakes but he’s right behind trying to be better, and they’re the sort of people I want to work with. We’ve improved his situation as a reward for his performances in my nine games.

"He’s very versatile and consistent, and they are big factors in why we wanted to keep him here."

Jones will face one of his former loan clubs when the Cumbrians host Plymouth tomorrow.