Paul Thirlwell made just 14 starts last season due to injury

Carlisle United club captain Paul Thirlwell is determined to make up for his injury-hit season when the new campaign gets underway on 9 August.

The 29-year-old midfielder made only 14 appearances last term due to calf and knee injuries.

"It was a very frustrating time for me personally," the former Sunderland, Derby County and Sheffield United player told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"But now I am feeling fit and can hopefully put all that behind me."

Thirlwell made his competitive return in Friday night's 4-0 friendly win at Kendal Town before the squad head off to Scotland to continue their pre-season training programme.

Everyone is looking really fit and hopefully it will stay that way Paul Thirlwell

"Coming back pre-season now, it's a lot more football-based rather than just all running," he said.

"You have to come back fit anyway but it is a gradual process. Everyone is looking really fit and hopefully it will stay that way."

Thirlwell has also praised the way the two summer signings - Josh Gowling and Ben Williams - have fitted in at their new club.

"We've all been at different clubs as players," he said. "Once you get through the initial first two days when you might not know anybody, the lads tend to forget you are a new face,"

"Ben and Josh have fitted in really well and I'm sure they will be looking forward to the new season as well."