Last updated at 12:14, Thursday, 29 July 2010

New signing Francois Zoko will fly back to England in time for Carlisle United’s friendly with Hibs on Sunday after agreeing a one-year deal with the club.

Francois Zoko

The former Ivory Coast Under-23 international, who has spent his career in France and Belgium, impressed Carlisle boss Greg Abbott during a summer trial at Brunton Park.

Zoko will sign a one-year contract when he returns to the club from France this week, with a view to extending the deal if he lives up to his potential. Zoko signed for AS Nancy in 2001 and spent three seasons with the club before moving to Laval. He then had spells with Mons and Hacette Spor Kulubu, and was most recently with KV Oostende.

He made 19 appearances for the Ivory Coast at under-20 and under-23 level.

United boss Greg Abbott said: “Francois has done really well and he has shown us that he can bring something a little bit different to what we already have here.

“He’s strong and he causes problems for opposition defenders, and he has fitted in well with the lads over the course of the last month.

“We think that he’ll continue to improve and that he’ll be a good signing for us, so we’re looking forward to working with him.

“The key thing that has come out of talking to him today is that it’s clear that he really wants to be here and that he wants to impress the people of Carlisle with what he can do. That’s exactly the kind of attitude that we want at this club.”

Zoko initially joined the Blues for a one-week trial at the start of pre-season training, but ended up staying a month after catching the eye in pre-season games.

He impressed in last Friday night’s friendly at Darlington with his pace, power and awkward attacking presence.

The player returned to France after the game to collect more personal belongings, leaving Abbott to discuss a deal with his agent.

One of Zoko’s key priorities will be learning to speak English, but despite the language barrier Abbott has been pleased with the way he has fitted into the dressing room.

Zoko said: “Everyone has been fantastic with me since the moment I joined the club. The manager and the owners have told me that they want to take the club to the next level and I want to come here and help them with that.”

“I am really looking forward to playing for Carlisle United and I hope that I score goals and do well.”

Zoko missed last night’s friendly with Falkirk and is not expected back in time for today’s behind-closed-doors practice game at Middlesbrough.

United fans are expected to get their first glimpse of the new signing in Sunday’s final pre-season friendly against Hibs at Brunton Park (2pm).

First published at 11:25, Thursday, 29 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk