ON TUESDAY, January 3 Carlisle United announced their first signing of the January window, with Middlesbrough defender Jack Robinson arriving at Brunton Park.

The 21-year-old joins Paul Simpson's side on an initial half-season long with a view towards a permanent deal.

A versatile player, Robinson has been brought into bolster the Blues' defence and contest positions at the back that are held by Jon Mellish and Jack Armer.

Versatility is one of Jack Robinson's strengths and a key reason behind his recruitment, especillay given the number of injuries suffered by Carlisle United so far this season.

Using transfermarkt.com, the range of Robinson's versatility becomes apparent. During his career so far, the young defender has mainly played at centre-back and left-back, but has also been deployed as a right-back, wide midfielder and defensive midfielder.

Robinson scored one goal in his three appearances as a left-midfielder, showing an ability to produce when move further forward up the pitch.

In addition, the new Blue has three assists in 44 appearances as a left-back, with the majority of these appearances coming in the Premier League 2.

In the latest Premier League 2 season, Robsinson recroded one assist in six appearances, putting him at a rate of 0.16 assists per game, just below the rate of first choice left-back Jack Armer who has 0.20 assists per game with five from 24 Blues appearances this season.

In a Paul Simpson system which utilises wing-backs and in a squad which had been plagued by injuries, the versatility of Jack Robinson will no doubt be a welcom addition to the Carlisle United ranks.

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