Carlisle United manager Graham Kavanagh has hailed Pascal Chimbonda and believes that the defender could stay with the club beyond this season.

The Frenchman joined the League One outfit in October, but then extended his stay in January.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Wigan Athletic player was recently named captain, and Kavanagh, who played with him at the Latics, claims that he is showing "true quality".

"He is showing his true quality as a player and a leader. I've seen a massive change since I played with him. I thought he was arrogant and selfish back then, but his maturity has shone through with Carlisle," Kavanagh told the News & Star.

"The players look up to him and that's why I wanted him to be captain. I felt he deserved it. If you ask me whether I'd like him here next season, right at the minute I would say yes."

Carlisle play Port Vale this afternoon.