Carlisle United have handed defender Aaron Hayden a new 18-month deal.

The centre-half has been rewarded for his displays since forcing his way into the side under Chris Beech.

Ex-Wolves man Hayden had been under contract until the end of this season having joined after a trial spell in the summer.

His new deal replaces those terms and keeps the defender at Brunton Park until summer 2021.

It also serves as a welcome birthday present for Hayden, who turned 23 today.

He has made 13 appearances for the Cumbrians so far, featuring at centre-back and right-back under Beech, scoring once.

The head coach said on the club website: “Aaron has done really well from a defensive perspective since I’ve came into the club.

"He’s been totally committed to the Carlisle United way, and he deserves this reward. While we’ve done that and enhanced his situation, we’re looking for him to progress and keep producing and improving.

“If players perform, they’ll get the backing from myself and the club. I’ll keep driving all of the players forward, and how far Aaron goes depends on his drive and ambition."

Hayden missed Wednesday's 4-3 FA Cup Third Round replay defeat Cardiff through suspension following a red card against Plymouth on Saturday.

He will return to the squad for this weekend's league trip to Oldham.

United, meanwhile, are continuing their efforts to add more new faces to their squad, following yesterday's arrival of Rotherham loan striker Joshua Kayode.