DEPARTED striker Richie Bennett has praised former club Barrow AFC as he prepares for his Carlisle United debut.

Bennett packed his bags at Holker Street and unpacked them at Brunton Park on Tuesday following a £50,000 move to the League Two club.

The 26-year-old – who netted 22 goals for the Bluebirds in his first campaign last season – is set to line-up against Blackburn Rovers on Friday.

He faced the same opponents in a Barrow shirt at the start of the month, scoring in a 2-1 defeat, and hailed the team spirit and players of his former club, as well as manager Paul Cox.

“They are a great set of lads and they have a great gaffer there. It is a great club,” Bennett said.

“All the staff are dead friendly and the team spirit we had was probably one of the best I've seen.

“I think there is a similar team spirit (at Carlisle), so it is something I'm really looking forward to.”

Bennett knows he will be judged on goals at Carlisle, especially having ended last season as Barrow's joint-top-scorer having made the move up three divisions from Northwich Victoria.

He added: “I think scoring is key for a striker because, obviously, you get judged on goals. I have another point to prove this year.

“Last year was my first in the National League and so I have another point to prove (in League Two) and I'm glad that I have got that opportunity.”