Carlisle United midfielder Dean Furman has been called up by South Africa for two games later this month.

The experienced player looks set to miss some of the Blues' League Two fixtures as a result.

Furman was today named in the Bafana Bafana squad for African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Ghana and Sudan.

The games fall on March 25 and 28 respectively, the Ghana game taking place in Johannesburg and the following game an away fixture in Sudan.

Carlisle's fixtures around that time include home games with Leyton Orient on March 23, Cambridge on March 27 and Crawley on March 30.

Furman, 32, was named in the squad by Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki today and could now add to his 55 caps.

South Africa are currently second in Group C after four games. Furman was previously called up for November to play two games.

The midfielder returned to the Carlisle side for his first start in three months in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Colchester.

Furman conceded a penalty as the home side fought back for a first win in 15.

His recall by boss Chris Beech came as fellow midfielder Callum Guy was with his partner Abbie as they prepare for the birth of their second child.