Steven Pressley has been appointed manager of League Two Carlisle for the remainder of the season.

The Cumbrians have handed the 45-year-old former Scotland international the reins at Brunton Park, with an option to extend his stay during the summer.

Chairman Andrew Jenkins told the club's official website, www.carlisleunited.co.uk: "We're really pleased to have Steven on board. He impressed us immensely during the interview process and his enthusiasm to take what is a very attractive job on really shone through.

"The challenge of keeping the momentum going and maintaining our push for a successful end to the season is one he is looking forward to.

"It's unusual for a manager to come into a club in this situation, but he's looking forward to working with the staff who are already here on keeping the intensity levels high, and on achieving continued positive results."

Former Hearts, Falkirk, Coventry and Fleetwood boss Pressley has replaced John Sheridan at the helm following his shock departure for National League Chesterfield earlier this month.

The Scot, whose most recent role was with Pafos in Cyprus, inherits a club sitting in sixth place in the the League Two table and three points adrift of the automatic promotion places.