Taylor joined The Cumbrians from Scunthorpe in January

Carlisle United winger Cleveland Taylor says he is determined to hold down a regular starting place this season.

Taylor turned in two 'man of the match' displays in the space of five days on his return to the side last week following Scott Dobie's suspension.

"I'm very happy with my form and fitness and I'll keep working hard," Taylor told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I knew that once I got a good pre-season behind me that my football would start to show."

The 24-year old joined The Cumbrians from Scunthorpe United in a �75,000 deal in January but struggled for form after being hospitalised through illness.

"When you are ill you never think that you are really ill," Taylor said.

I was frustrated with myself because I knew that I could do a lot better Cleveland Taylor

"I was in hospital a few days before I came in, you think that you will be fine but it does take quite a lot out of you, and I was playing catch up from when I first arrived.

"Football is about confidence. I was probably getting a bit of stick, but I was frustrated with myself because I knew that I could do a lot better."

The Leicester-born midfielder began his career as a trainee with Bolton Wanderers and spent loan spells with Exeter City, Scarborough and Scunthorpe United before making his stay at Glanford Park a permanent one in March 2004.

He made 121 starts for The Iron in a four-year spell with the club and was a regular in their promotion-winning 2006-07 season.

Taylor, who had a hand in three of Carlisle's four goals in Saturday's 4-1 win over Yeovil, is yet to find the net himself for The Cumbrians.

"It's always good to get your first goal but the most important thing is that we win," he said. "But it would be nice to get a goal because it boosts confidence,"

"It was very frustrating for me at the start because obviously all that you want to do as a player is do your best, and the team was in such a good position and you want to help the team.

"It's one of those things in life but I had to deal with it and I have learnt from that."

Taylor made his first start of the season in the Carling Cup defeat at Queens Park Rangers, replacing Scott Dobie who picked-up a three-game suspension following his red card in the 0-0 draw at Leyton Orient.

"With the squad that the gaffer [John Ward] has built at the club, if one player slips out for whatever reason then another player just as good can step in. There is competition for places all over the park," he said.

"The new signings have brought quality to the squad once again. We have got a great squad and they are all quality experienced players.

"We are very confident as long as we work hard and keep doing the right things, and doing what we are doing and work hard in training, we'll be up there and fighting for a promotion place."