Experienced Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has joined Carlisle United for a one month loan spell this morning to provide much needed cover for the injuried pair of Paul Thirlwell and Chris Lumsdon.

Kavanagh, a product of the successful Home Farm Academy in Ireland, has over 500 first team appearances to his name for clubs such as Middlesbrough, Stoke City, Cardiff City, Wigan Athletic, Sunderland and, more recently, on loan with Sheffield Wednesday.

A full Ireland international, he joined the Black Cats for £500,000 in the summer of 2006 and has enjoyed two spells with the Owls during his stay at the Stadium of Light.

John Ward said: "Graham is a very good player, and he also comes with experience and knowledge. He can help us on the pitch with the way that he can play the game and he can also bring that experience in to it as well. Having those qualities is going to be very helpful to me, the team and to the football club in general."

"We've had a look at him recently," he added, "and he scored the winner in the Reserve game on Wednesday, and we know what he can do. He's actually one of those players that you would sign without seeing him, because he brings so much in to a team. He gives us cover for our injured players, of course, and I think he has the type of character that will help to give everybody a lift. It's a move that I think the supporters will like, and I'm sure they will look forward to seeing him in a Carlisle shirt."