Carlisle United: Graham Kavanagh wants Pascal Chimbonda to adapt

Carlisle boss Graham Kavanagh has asked new signing Pascal Chimbonda to adapt his game to that of a central defender.

The former France full-back joined the Cumbrians last Friday and just 24 hours later partnered Sean O'Hanlon at centre-half in a 1-0 defeat by Oldham.

He played 90 minutes, ending an 18-month exile from professional football.

"We want him defending the middle of our goal more because there are times when he thinks too much like a full-back," Kavanagh told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"He's played at such a high level but hasn't played a match for a long time. Considering that, his game understanding was excellent."

Chimbonda, 34, last played in April 2012 when his then club Doncaster Rovers were beaten 4-0 by Leicester City.

Since then he has trained and played friendly matches for non-league sides Market Drayton and Colwyn Bay.

During his 15-year professional career, the Guadeloupe-born defender has played the majority of his football as a right-back, occasionally being utilised in central defence.

"I really see that partnership with Sean growing nicely," Kavanagh continued.

"That combination works well and I want it to be the platform from which we can build clean sheets and to be honest, Oldham never cut us open all game."