Carlisle United boss Greg Abbott has described winger Cleveland Taylor as an "inspiration" behind his side's recent improved form.

Abbott believes the 24-year-old has been the Cumbrians' best player over the last two months.

Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria: "He's been fantastic. Win, lose or draw, he lifts people around him.

"People like Cleveland are vital in a football club. The players love him and he's a joy to work with."

Taylor joined the Cumbrians from Scunthorpe United in a 」75,000 deal in January 2008 but struggled for form after being admitted to hospital through illness.

"I think Cleve's winning everyone over and rightly so. He's been an absolute inspiration in terms of what he gives you. Even when he's playing badly he'll work his socks off."

The Leicester-born midfielder began his career as a trainee with Bolton Wanderers and spent loan spells with Exeter City, Scarborough and Scunthorpe United before making his stay at Glanford Park a permanent one in March 2004.

He made 121 starts for the Iron in a four-year spell with the club and was a regular in their promotion-winning 2006/07 season.

"He's had criticism from sections of the crowd and has dealt with that and that is such a difficult thing to do," Abbott said.

"Look at Jermaine Beckford when he was on loan here. He got criticised from our fans and he never did it here. That's what happens - players lose their confidence.

"Cleveland has dealt with it. He's been outstanding over the last six weeks and has probably been our best player."

Taylor has been a regular in the Cumbrians' starting 11 after regaining his place in the side from Scott Dobie in the latter part of August.

He has scored twice this season in the 3-1 home win over Brighton in November and again in the 2-2 draw at Hartlepool last month.

Abbott said: "Around the training ground he doesn't let anyone get upset or down.

"He actually helps me do my job. When we've had a poor performance, like the one against Colchester recently, he's the first one to rally the troops.

"He makes his mistakes but he makes them with a genuine honesty and you can always back that."