Carlisle United have made Rotherham United forward Georgie Kelly their first transfer deadline day signing.

The Irish striker, 27, has joined on a three-and-a-half year deal.

United have paid an undisclosed fee for the 6ft 2in frontman to make him their seventh first-team signing of the transfer window.

Paul Simpson has tonight spoken of his delight at landing Kelly, who has been with Rotherham since 2022 following spells at Irish clubs Bohemians, Dundalk, UCD and Derry City.

"He's a player we've liked for the last 12 months," United's manager told the club website.

"He's struggled to get game time at Rotherham and the opportunity came up to sign him on a permanent deal. 

"I'm absolutely delighted we've been able to get him in. He's a player who is for now but also for the long-term. 

News and Star: Georgie Kelly scores for Rotherham at Gillingham to seal promotion in April 2022Georgie Kelly scores for Rotherham at Gillingham to seal promotion in April 2022 (Image: PA)

"We want somebody else to go up there with Luke Armstrong and Georgie certainly fits the bill.

"He's a good size and he had a fantastic goalscoring record when he was over in Ireland.

"He's a big, strong, physical number nine and I think he'll be somebody who can cause problems at this level.

"He's coming into us with a slight niggle in his calf which has meant he's missed a few days of training this week, so we need to have a look and check whether he's ok for the weekend."

Kelly has made six league starts and 44 sub appearances for Rotherham, along with three cup outings, scoring six goals in the process.

One of his goals came in a 2-0 win at Gillingham in April 2022 which secured promotion from League One for the Millers.