Former Sunderland defender lands new club

The Everton academy graduate joined the Black Cats on a half-season deal in the summer and made a handful of appearances at the start of the campaign, and netted in the 8-1 win over Aston Villa under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy.

But a serious hamstring injury sustained in an under-23 game at Burnley saw Feeney sidelined for three months – and he was released upon the expiration of his short-term deal in January.

Speaking about the decision to allow the central defender to move on, Lee Johnson said: “We had a good chat with Morgan and I think he would be an excellent signing for somebody.

"We just felt that with the strength in depth we have in that particular position, Morgan is at a time in his career where he needs to be a big fish in a small sea and find his identity.”

And he has now penned a half-season contract at Brunton Park, where he will join a side flying high in League Two.

Carlisle boss Chris Beech said: “He ultimately found himself as a free agent and signed for Sunderland and got injured, coinciding with the end of his deal there, a change in ownership and a new manager.

“He’s 22 next month, which is a great age, back fit and raring to go. Sometimes circumstances work for you, and without the injury and short-term contact there would only be a slim chance he’d be coming to us. He’d probably be well under way with his career.”