Thirlwell relishing new role

21 July 2010 16:31
Carlisle captain Paul Thirlwell is hoping to shine in Greg Abbott's new diamond formation this season. The former Sunderland midfielder has been deployed at the base of a four-man midfield during the Cumbrians' pre-season warm-up games. Thirlwell, 31, earned plaudits for his performance in the role against Newcastle at the weekend and feels the system can be a success in the forthcoming npower League One campaign. "It is a formation that worked well for us when we used it on the last day of last season at Norwich and I enjoy it," he told the News & Star. "It is good to use against teams that play football - you can be compact in the middle and try to get about them. "It suits me in that I'm not renowned for raging into the box and usually play deeper anyway. I'm sure it will be a system we use at times and that we can adapt."

Source: PA