Liddle has played two games since joining from Sunderland

Carlisle United caretaker manager Greg Abbott has tipped on-loan left-back Michael Liddle to become a crowd favourite in his spell at Brunton Park.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 man, 18, has featured in two games since joining on a month's loan from Sunderland and Abbott is already a fan.

"He's got a lot of energy and the way he is he'll become a crowd favourite," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"He's a good lad to have around and gives us a bit of composure."

Abbott remains unbeaten so far in his second reign as caretaker manager following the departure of former Cheltenham boss John Ward.

And the former Hull City midfielder, who joined the club in Neil McDonald's time in charge, believes the team are beginning to regain the confidence that took them to the brink of the League One play-off final last season.

"It looks as though the players are enjoying themselves," he said.

"All of a sudden you've got the two wide players flying down the flanks, taking players on and getting terrific crosses in.

"If you get as much attacking play in the game as we've had in the last two games then it is going to be easier on the back four, and they can get a bit of confidence and belief back."

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