Birchall has been told he has no future at the Ricoh Arena

Carlisle United manager John Ward has admitted an interest in Coventry City midfielder Chris Birchall.

The 24-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international has been told he can leave the Ricoh Arena by City boss Chris Coleman.

"I spoke to Chris Birchall's agent but I haven't spoken to Chris or the player," manager John Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I speak to agents probably five or six times a day so that's all it was."

Birchall began his career with Port Vale where he scored nine times in 94 appearances for the club, picking up the Valiants' young player of the year award in 2005.

Chris Coleman might be wondering what I'm doing but I haven't spoken to Coventry or the player Carlisle boss John Ward

His performances earned him a call up to the Trinidad & Tobago squad to become the first white player in 60 years to represent the country. His eligibility is due to his mother who was born in Port of Spain.

Birchall went to the World Cup finals in 2006 where his impressive displays earned him a �300,000 move to Coventry on his return to England.

However, his first-team opportunities have been limited and following an injury-hit loan spell with St Mirren last summer, Birchall has been told he does not feature in Chris Coleman's plans.

Ward is set to be without midfielder Chris Lumsdon until November with a back injury but was quick to play down an imminent move for Birchall.

"Chris Coleman might be wondering what I'm doing but I haven't spoken to Coventry or the player," Ward said.

"I speak to a lot of agents about players at this time of the year with the transfer deadline approaching."