Carlisle United have made experienced defender Rod McDonald their second summer signing.

The former Northampton, Coventry and AFC Wimbledon man has signed a two-year deal with the Blues.

McDonald, 28, became the second new face confirmed by the Cumbrians today after the arrival of ex-Manchester United full-back George Tanner.

McDonald was available after being released by League One outfit Wimbledon, for whom he made 16 appearances last season.

Nicknamed ‘Concrete Rod’ by fans of his former clubs in respect of his physicality at the back, he will restore experience to United’s central defensive options after the summer departures of Byron Webster and Nathaniel Knight-Percival.

McDonald could partner newly-appointed vice-captain Aaron Hayden at the heart of Chris Beech’s defence in the 2020/21 campaign.

The Liverpool-born player has plenty of experience in Leagues One and Two and has enjoyed two promotions from United’s level.

They came with Northampton in 2016 and Coventry two years later.

McDonald started as a junior at Manchester City and Stoke, then having a spell at Oldham before dropping into non-league with Colwyn Bay, Hereford and Telford.

The 6ft 3in player earned a step up to Northampton in 2015 and made 37 appearances in two campaigns for the Cobblers.

Coventry then signed McDonald and he was a 41-game regular for the Sky Blues in 2017/18 before joining Wimbledon in 2018.

He clocked up 46 appearances in his two campaigns for the Dons.

Head coach Beech, speaking on United's website, said: "I’m delighted to have Rod in with us. This is an excellent signing. He adds experience and know-how to a young and ambitious group of players.

“He's 6ft 3in, a great age at 28, left-footed, commands the box well and wins the ball. He has very good feet on the deck and a very good out ball, something you don't always find in big centre halves.

“He's been promoted from this division before, twice, so he knows what it takes to win League Two football matches and be successful. Hopefully our younger players around him will benefit from those experiences and from his guidance both on the pitch and at the training ground.”

United, meanwhile, are expected to confirm a number of further signings in the coming days as they continue preparations for the new League Two season, which starts on September 12.