Jabo Ibehre has set his sights on firing Carlisle United up the League Two table – a decade after helping Leyton Orient win promotion from the division.

The big forward – then 23 – was part of Martin Ling’s O’s side that went up to the third tier after finishing in the final automatic promotion spot in the 2005-06 campaign – just five points behind eventual champions Carlisle.

Ibehre scored what proved to be the winner against the Blues that season in a 3-2 win for Orient at Brunton Park.

And now, as he is about to begin his tenth season since that successful year, the 32-year-old is hoping to replicate his achievements during his Brisbane Road days in a United shirt.

“I looked at one of the pictures the other day, and 2006 was when Carlisle got promoted and we also got promoted that year finishing third, so it’s quite cool,” said Ibehre, who penned a one-year deal at Brunton Park following his release by Colchester United in the summer.

“Joycey [Luke Joyce, who joined Carlisle at the end of that season] was there as well so we got promoted the same year, but it was fantastic and we just want to emulate it again and with the right characters, everyone pulling together and getting that extra bit out of us, hopefully we’ll have a good chance of achieving something.”

Ibehre is likely to make his home debut in tonight’s pre-season friendly at home to Preston North End (7.15pm kick-off).

After turning in a promising performance as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Bradford City this weekend, he says he’s eager to make his bow at home in what will be a stern examination at the hands of the newly-promoted Championship outfit.

“Blue’s my favourite colour, so that’s a good start!” said the ex-MK Dons man.

“I’ve been around playing Carlisle for a few years now and I’m really excited about being here and how things have gone so far – it’s been really pleasing. I’m looking forward to getting the shirt on and getting going. Hopefully we’ll be very successful.

“Each game you just want to improve yourself, see where your fitness levels are and it’s a good test against Preston, who had a great season last year so they’re going to be buzzing.

“There’s just a good buzz around the place, and it’s just going to be nice to see where we’re all at in terms of fitness and our sharpness and our own ability, and it’ll be a good test for us on Tuesday.”

Keith Curle’s men lost at the Coral Windows Stadium on Saturday in their first outing for a fortnight, two days after taking part in an all-day intensive training camp in the Lake District.

And Ibehre says he’s feeling all the better for Curle’s pre-season programme, which included that two-week pause in fixtures.

“It’s so far, so good in terms of what we’ve done fitness-wise – we’ve been really pushed, and I feel stronger each day and I’m sure the lads will agree they feel good as well, so it’s only going to put us in good stead for the season,” he said.