CARLISLE on-loan star Christian Ribeiro is pleading with boss Greg Abbott to extend his stay at Brunton Park as he does not want to leave.

The Welsh international right-back was signed on a loan basis by Abbott in a bid to secure first-team football, having been on the sidelines at Bristol City.

That deal, however, was on a short term basis and is set to expire on January 2.

Ribeiro, though, has enjoyed his time in Cumbria – especially with the regular bouts of action he has been getting.

He has no desire to go back down south, where he feels he will be kicking his heels in the stands.

Ribeiro said: “I have felt a big part of it here and I have enjoyed trying to help us get up to sixth place.

“For that to be taken away in two weeks’ time would be a shame.

“Whatever happens, Carlisle can have a really good season and finish high up in this league with the way the team is playing and if they can keep players fit.

“I am really enjoying it here. I am feeling comfortable in the defence and after five games I feel I am getting fitter and better.

“I want to prove to everyone I am not injury-prone and that I am a good player who can keep on improving. Fingers crossed I can stay in the team and we can go into January in that top six.”

Wycombe are the visitors to Brunton Park today with Carlisle eager to keep their promotion push going.

Ribeiro is delighted it is a home fixture as he reckons their base is a daunting proposition for visiting teams.

He added: “Being around the play-offs brings pressure but also a fear factor for teams coming here.

“We have good players who could play at a higher level and teams know they have to work very hard to play against us.

“Even if we are not playing to our best, everyone gives 110% and we can grind teams down to get something from a game. The important thing is now to focus on Wycombe.”

Meanwhile, managing director John Nixon has called on the Carlisle faithful to turn out in big numbers today to roar the team onto victory.

He said: “If we are to be successful in achieving a place in the play-offs a significant aspect of it will be down to the part played by the home support.

“A strong vocal backing transmits to the players and that brings a positive response. It is surprising what the support of 6,000 as opposed to a backing of 4,000 can bring.

“So let’s have the Big Six on Saturday – sixth place achieved in the league table with the backing of 6,000 fans.”