Carlisle United have signed former Tranmere Rovers midfielder Joe Thompson on a short-term deal.

The 26-year-old had been training with the League Two side after leaving Bury at the end of last season.

Thompson joined Bury in summer 2014 following a successful battle against cancer.

"Joe has earned this opportunity because he has knuckled down and worked extremely hard," Carlisle boss Keith Curle told the club's official website. "We still think there's more to come and we're looking forward to working with him more as we go on from here."

Carlisle start the new season with a trip to Mansfield Town on August 8.