Carlisle United to release Leon McSweeney in January

Carlisle United have announced defender Leon McSweeney will leave the club when his contract expires on 4 January 2014.

The 29-year-old was signed on a four-month deal by former manager Greg Abbott in September.

He has started 10 games for the club but last played a league match in early November.

Since then, new manager Graham Kavanagh has and agreed a loan extension for centre-half Max Ehmer.

Kavanagh told the club's website: "It's always a difficult decision but we have Pascal Chimbonda playing very well and Brad Potts improving all the time.

"We're in a situation where we can't afford to carry three right-backs and Leon was very understanding when I spoke to him."