Match-winner Antony Sweeney says he’s determined to continue his dramatic revival at Carlisle United.

The transfer-listed midfielder wants to remain at the heart of Keith Curle’s improving side after his heroics at Leyton Orient.

Sweeney’s winning goal in London was his first strike for a year and put United on the brink of a play-off place.

And the ex-Hartlepool man believes he is capable of adding to his tally and helping United to even better things.

Sweeney said: “I do back myself, even if the stats recently don’t show it. If I get in the box enough I can score goals.

“I’ve got a decent record over a few seasons of getting goals, so as long as I try and get in the box, chances will fall and then it’s down to myself to put them in.

“Any opportunity I get, I’ll put the effort in, and hopefully it will keep me in the side. If not I’ll go back to the training ground, put the work in and see where it brings me.

“Football doesn’t always going your way. You’ve got to manage your disappointments. There have been a few disappointments for me but there have now been a couple of highs, so hopefully I’ll build on them.”

Sweeney has enjoyed a recent return to favour under Curle despite starting the campaign out of the first-team picture.

He was included in last week’s dramatic cup night at Liverpool and underlined his importance in the 2-1 win at Orient.

The 32-year-old has often deputised on the left but admitted he relished a role in a preferred central attacking midfield position on Tuesday.

Sweeney said: “We’ve got players in the team who are more suited to the attacking side of it, but in the games we’ve played we needed a bit more solidity on the left.

“That said, if the choice is there I’d much rather go in the centre.

“The formation we played on Tuesday – the ‘box’ in midfield with two holders and me and Jason [Kennedy] in front – is a difficult one for the opposition team to pick up.

“There were times when we could have worked it better, but when you come to a place like Orient and get the three points, it’s a good night’s work.

“When we were talking after the game there was a slight tinge of regret looking back, because we had a great opportunity against Newport on Saturday to really push on and didn’t take it.

“Maybe that’s a lesson for us this season, and as long as we learn from it, it could be a good lesson and early enough in the season for us to heed it.”

While manager Curle has shown no intention of removing Sweeney or three other players from the transfer-list, he praised the experienced midfielder’s attitude and predicted more goals.

The United boss said: “Sweens is known as a good professional, an excellent gentleman and a good character to have in and around the building.

“He’s one of those who epitomises professionalism to a T. Sometimes you’re not going to be playing week-in, week-out but it’s how you conduct yourself and prepare.

“The one thing that’s been missing from his game has been goals. In the early stages of his career, one thing he was noted for was his goals.

“Don’t be surprised now if he goes on a little run and scores a few. It is a knack, scoring goals, and he’s got that happy knack now.”