Last updated at 16:10, Friday, 27 November 2009

Ian Harte will start for Carlisle United against Norwich tomorrow after the Blues fended off interest in the defender from the Canaries’ East Anglian rivals Ipswich before yesterday’s loan deadline.

Ian Harte

But there was still some transfer activity at Brunton Park with reserve winger Gavin Rothery joining Barrow until January 3. He has been given permission to play for Barrow in their FA Cup tie at Oxford tomorrow.

Harte had emerged as a target for his former Republic of Ireland team-mate Roy Keane at Portman Road.
Keane wanted to take the 32-year-old – Carlisle’s seven-goal top scorer – on loan with a view to a permanent move in January.

But the deal, understood to involve a young Tractor Boys player moving the other way, was knocked back by United boss Greg Abbott.

Carlisle’s manager said he had made phone calls about strengthening his own squad ahead of the 5pm deadline but no signings looked likely as The Cumberland News went to press.

On Rothery’s move to Holker Street, Abbott said: “It will help Gavin, us and Barrow.
“He needs regular, competitive football and Barrow have already looked after one of our players well in Andy Cook this season.

“If Gavin can conquer that level he will give himself a chance of moving up the pecking order here.”

United return to league action on Tuesday night when they host derby rivals Hartlepool (Brunton Park, 7.45pm).

• The Blues’ youth team are due to face Accrington Stanley at Creighton rugby club tomorrow (kick-off 11am) but the game is subject to two pitch inspections. If it passes the first, at 2pm today, it will be assessed again at 8am tomorrow. Eric Kinder’s Under-18 side will play their FA Youth Cup third round tie against Stoke at Brunton Park on Tuesday, December 8, kick-off 7pm.

First published at 09:37, Friday, 27 November 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk