Caretaker-manager Graham Kavanagh has revealed that he has applied to take over Carlisle United on a permanent basis.

The ex-Republic of Ireland international midfielder is in temporary charge at the Cumbrians after long-serving boss Greg Abbott left Brunton Park earlier this week.

Kavanagh oversaw a 1-0 home victory over Sheffield United on Saturday, and while he has indicated that Carlisle's win was dedicated to their former manager, he admits that he would love to succeed Abbott full time.

"Yes, I have applied for the job and yes, it definitely interests me," he told reporters. "The players deserve a massive round of applause after what's been a difficult week.

"The last thing the gaffer said when he left the club was to ask the players to get a victory and that was the message, to go out and perform. One or two felt they had let him down, but they were magnificent and when we lost possession they closed the lines down.

"I have applied for the job, but it was not about me, but getting the first win for the club and the fans, who were top drawer and stuck with us at vital times."

Carlisle have picked up five points from their opening seven games and are 19th in the League One table.