CARLISLE United will look to make Liam Noble their second signing of the transfer window after making Chris Chantler’s loan from Manchester City permanent.

First, however, they will be aiming to move into the League One play-off positions by avoiding defeat at home to Leyton Orient this afternoon.

With sixth-placed Stevenage otherwise engaged at Reading in the FA Cup, a draw will be enough to move above them.

Given the form which has taken them up the table, Carlisle will be looking for all three points.

Unbeaten at home since September 10, the Cumbrians have only lost twice anywhere in their last 15 league matches.

Chantler’s arrival on an 18-month contract only added to the feel-good factor at Brunton Park.

Manager Greg Abbott would love to turn Noble from loanee to permanent squad member too.

The 20-year-old has returned to parent club Sunderland after his latest spell in Cumbria.

Carlisle borrowed the midfielder for the whole of last term and he has been back for the first half of this campaign, scoring five goals in 26 appearances – 21 from the start.

Noble played for Sunderland’s reserves in Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Arsenal.

Black Cats manager Martin O’Neill is keen to see the player first hand at the Academy of Light before deciding on his future.

Carlisle will have to sit tight until then, but will be hoping the Irishman decides he is surplus to requirements.

If not, they will probably push for another loan.

Fellow midfielder Chantler was himself unable to break into a big squad, and Abbott has taken advantage of his relationship with Manchester City.

Adam Clayton and Jeremy Helan are others Carlisle have successfully borrowed from Eastlands in recent years.

Chantler said: “I have to be honest and say it is hard to leave Manchester City because I had been with them since I was nine years-old.

“I don’t think I was ever going to get a chance at first-team level, so I had to look at what my options were.

“My aim now has to be to get more first-team appearances under my belt.”

Abbott said of the 21-year-old: “Chris is one who we think will develop into a really good footballer.

“City have set the deal up in a fantastic way for us and it made it easy for us to make a decision on bringing him here.

“He has been here for six weeks already with us and we like him a lot.

“He has terrific ability and he can play a number of positions down that left-hand side and in the centre of the pitch.

“If he deals with the pace and physicality this level of football brings he will progress well.

“He is a player who we think will come in, find his way and then a little bit further down the line we think he will make a real impact.

“The length of the contract gives him time to properly settle here but he is already part of the group.

“He is a great lad and the rest of the squad really like him, and he has a real appetite and hunger to be involved.

“We have tried hard to make sure we bring players in who have the right type of personality, and the good thing about this one is we have seen him close up for a good while.

“We know he is the right kind of person and, along with his football, that is why we think he will come good.”

Chantler initially joined in early November on an extended trial, which became a short-term loan at the end of the month. His only appearance has been as an 88th-minute substitute at Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup.

Former Sunderland winger Andy Welsh could be on the bench today after three months out with a calf injury. Frank Simek could start after ankle trouble.