New United loan signing Ben Parker (BP) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's Paul Newton (PN) on Thursday afternoon, 24-year old Parker first talking about his injury problems that have seen him start just six games in the past two and a half seasons :
PN
Tell us how the move to Carlisle has come about?
BP
Basically I have had a few injuries over the last couple of years and I haven't played many games. I have finally got myself fit and basically I need to come out and play some games, I have known the manager here (Greg Abbott) for a few years from his time when he has been at Leeds and I am thankful that he has given me the opportunity to come here for a month, play some games and hopefully push the team forward.
PN
Give us a bit of background to the injury situation, I mean you have endured a pretty tortuous two years haven't you?
BP
Yeah, yeah, it has been a nightmare really, it has been one thing after the other and they haven't really been able to get to the bottom of the problems. But, I have been fully fit now for the last two or three months, played reserve games, but reserve games only get you to a certain level where I need first-team action. The manager here has known for me a while, he knows what I can do and I know him so it is a perfect match really.
PN
I think I am right in saying you have had seven operations in two years now, I mean that gives you an idea of the scale of the problems you have had?
BP
Yeah, yeah, you are right in saying that, basically I have been rebuilt and I am the bionic man really now. But, thankfully I have got to the bottom of the problems, I feel fit, I feel fresh and I am just raring to go.
PN
What is your situation with Leeds as things currently stand? Have you been able to speak to Simon Grayson and discuss your longer term future?
BP
Basically all he has said is that he wants to see me get some games in, first-team action. It would have been a massive risk and a risk he wasn't willing to take throwing me in at Leeds, this is why I have come out on loan. It suits everybody really so I have come here to do the best for myself and the best for Carlisle because the club are striving to get in the play-offs. I know they are in seventh and they have had a good season so far, but it can be better, so if I can help them get into the play-offs, which is the main aim, then everybody will be happy.
PN
If it was right for you and right for both clubs would you consider a longer stay?
BP
Yeah, it is something that I would definitely consider because I know a couple of the lads here already and the other boys have been fantastic today, and I have touched upon the manager. So, it would be a possibility if things did come up in the summer, but I am not looking too far ahead, I am just looking to the next game which is Saturday, Hartlepool will be a tough game. So, fingers crossed if I am selected I can get the ball rolling.
PN
I am guessing you know Tom Taiwo from your time together at Leeds?
BP
Yeah, I know Tom quite well, he came up through the Academy a couple of years below me so I know him quite well, I know big Lubo (Lubomir Michalik) as well, he hasn't changed, the big Slovakian here. So, I know a couple of the lads, Paul Thirlwell the captain lives only about ten minutes away from me, so it is always nice to see some familiar faces when you do come to a new club. The rest of the lads have been brilliant with me this morning, it feels like I have been here for a number of months, never mind on my first day, so yeah I can't get wait to get going.
PN
And with regard to your career at Leeds so far, you joined them as a schoolboy, is that right?
BP
Yeah, yeah, I have been there since eight years old, came up through the Academy and I have been out on loan a couple of times, been on loan to Bradford City for a season, been to Darlington for a couple of months, so I have gained that experience as well. So, it has come to the point where I have been out for a while now and I need to get back playing first-team games and Carlisle have given me that opportunity and I am really grateful to them.
PN
And you have had first-team experience with Leeds, and you played in the FA Cup at the Emirates against Arsenal a couple of seasons ago?
BP
Yeah, yeah, and that was a great experience for everyone connected, they were a fantastic team, the stadium was unbelievable. Unfortunately we only came away with a a draw, most teams would be happy going there with a draw but we were really unlucky on the day to come away with a draw. We got the replay, they did us on the replay but it was a fantastic experience playing against the likes of (Cesc) Fabregas, (Robin) van Persie, people who have played in the World Cup final, who have won a World Cup final. So, that has stood me in good stead for my career basically.
PN
And just finally back to present day, I guess you have been given the nod that you will be involved this weekend?
BP
Well, that is what I have come here to do, to be involved on a matchday. I won't know whether I am playing or not until probably Friday or Saturday, I am not too sure but if I am selected, brilliant, if not then I will get my head down, back the team and I am here if called upon.