Former Carlisle United goalkeeper Michael Kelly is back in League Two.

The Irish keeper has joined MK Dons on a short-term deal.

Kelly was released by the Blues in the summer after a season at Brunton Park.

He spent last term as understudy to Tomas Holy and made just three first-team appearances, all in the Papa John’s Trophy.

The 27-year-old now links up with Graham Alexander’s Dons squad and he was on the bench for their 1-1 draw with Notts County in the fourth tier on Saturday.

Kelly said he was pleased to make the move, telling the MK website: “It’s been a whirlwind 24 hours but I’m delighted to be here.

“As soon as I heard MK Dons were interested, I was keen to get on board.

“The lads are flying so far this season and hopefully I can add to the group and help us kick on.

“I like to think I am an imposing goalkeeper - I like to use my size and frame to my advantage.

“I’m also quite a technical goalkeeper with the ball at my feet, but I’ll be looking to do anything I can to help the team push on.”

Kelly has joined MK after an injury to fellow keeper Nathan Harness.

The keeper's influence behind the scenes was praised by manager and players at United last term as he proved a valued presence in the promotion-winning squad.

Holy, who played every league game in 2022/23, said the Irish keeper was an “incredible” pro who pushed him hard and was also a good team-mate to players young and experienced.

The keeper has previously played in Ireland with Shamrock Rovers, Cabinteely, Longford Town, Bohemian and Bray Wanderers.

Kelly’s United outings last term came in their Trophy games against Manchester United’s Under-21s, Fleetwood Town and Barrow.

His involvement in the latter game was also marked by a shocking incident when a Barrow fan threw a firework onto the pitch from behind Kelly’s goal, the device landing and going off close to the goalkeeper.

MK Dons are fourth in League Two after seven games following their relegation from the third tier last season, with Craig MacGillivray their first-choice keeper.

Kelly took the place of the sidelined Harness on the bench against Notts.