FORMER Celtic defender Steven Pressley has been appointed as manager of English League Two side Carlisle United until the end of the season.

Carlisle are currently sixth in League Two, three points off third-placed Mansfield in the automatic promotion spot.

The ex-Falkirk manager's last appointment was in the Cypriot First Division when he took charge of Pafos, and was sacked with the side second-bottom of the league.

Presssley replaces John Sheridan, who took over at Chesterfield ealrier this month.

The League Two club have the option to extend the 45-year-old's contract should Pressley impress during his time at Carlisle.

Club chairman Andrew Jenkins said Pressley landed the job afetr impressing during the interview.

Jenkins said: "With two weeks left of the transfer window it's important that we get the squad back to a level where we know we will be competing every week.

"Steven has built up a lot of contacts both north and south of the border through what has been a very successful career, and I'm sure he will be focused on getting that side of things sorted so that all of the concentration can then be on the 18 games we have left to play."