Jabo Ibehre says he’s “really glad” to be a Carlisle United player as the Blues try to survive deadline day without any raids for their top scorer.

The nine-goal striker has become an instant hero to United’s fans after his stunning start at Brunton Park.

His form – which has put Ibehre in the running for TWO player of the month awards–- led manager Keith Curle to voice concerns that clubs in higher divisions might move for the 32-year-old before today’s 6pm deadline.

But Ibehre, who only joined Carlisle in July, told News & Star Sport he is loving life with the Blues and determined to keep shooting Curle’s team up the league.

Ibehre said: “I’m glad I’m here, really glad.

“You don’t get this sort of form very often, especially going to a new club, finding your feet and in my case being in a new environment, away from London.

“I thought it was good to score on my debut and go from there – but to keep it going and be in the form I’m in is just a real pleasure.”

Ibehre has today been named on a four-man shortlist for the SkyBet League Two player of the month prize for August, where his rivals are Cambridge's Barry Corr, Wycombe's Aaron Pierre and Leyton Orient's Dean Cox.

The winner will be announced on Friday, while Ibehre is also in the running for the PFA player of the month award on which fans can vote.

With Curle hoping to strengthen his squad, meanwhile, and the Blues having also fielded loan enquiries for fringe players, there remains the possibility of movement before the transfer window closes.

The Carlisle boss has been tracking two targets but has insisted he would not be “panicking” in the market.

Ibehre is likely to be rested from the starting line-up for tonight’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy tie at Port Vale (kick-off 7.45pm).

With nine in seven outings the former Leyton Orient man has made one of the best goalscoring starts in United’s history – and says he relished his brace at Hartlepool on Saturday.

The striker's goals at Victoria Park, including an 85th-minute winner, sparked jubilant scenes in the away end as United secured their first league win of the campaign.

brilliant

Ibehre said: “There were people on the pitch and everything! It was brilliant.

“Those are the best times in football when things like that happen. The fans celebrating in front of us and the support we had – it felt so good.

“I was buzzing we got the win finally. We’ve showed good character to hang in there in previous games, albeit coming from behind and making it hard for ourselves, but still creating lots of chances.

“We’re strong mentally. We are benefiting from the hard work done in pre-season, which was tough.

“Credit to the manager, the boys are looking good and really strong. Hopefully we can keep climbing the table and improving as a team.”

The big frontman, meanwhile, says he will be ready for action if called upon tonight despite Curle leaving him on the bench for cup ties so far.

Ibehre added: “I appreciate what he’s doing, because he’s the manager and it’s working. But when I’m called upon I’ll do my best as always.”