Carlisle United have today signed former-QPR, MK Dons and Bristol Rovers wide man Angelo Balanta on a short term deal which keeps him at Brunton Park until the end of this year.
Balanta, 24, gave himself an early present as he put pen to paper on the eve of his 25th birthday and meets up with his new team mates today to join the pre-season training sessions.
Born in Cali, Colombia, Balanta moved to England when he was just five years old and was spotted as a youngster by QPR. He progressed through the ranks and signed his first professional contract in 2007.
He made 29 appearances and scored three goals for Rangers but left the London club after seven years at the end of the 2012/13 campaign.
His first loan spell took him to Wycombe in November 2008 and he spent much of the next three seasons on extended loan periods with MK Dons.
His final loan spell was with Yeovil at the end of the 2012/13 season and he made a permanent move to join Bristol Rovers at the start of last season. He made 18 appearances and scored once whilst with the Pirates.
Also signed is former-Spurs defender Alexander McQueen on a one-year deal, with an option, which brings him to Brunton Park ahead of the new season.
London-born McQueen, 20, came through the Tottenham youth ranks and has appeared as a regular in the Development Squad, and was also included in the Europa League squad to face Benfica back in March 2014.
The versatile player has featured at left back and in central midfield with Spurs, but played most of last season as a right back.
Head of recruitment Lee Dykes said: “Alex is a player we have tracked for a number of years. I first saw him play an U21 game for Spurs away at Sunderland and I was very impressed.
"He played right back on that occasion but I've also seen him play in a number of other positions. He can play on the left or the right and he's comfortable with both feet.
"He's a very quick player who is athletic and who has a youthful energy about him. he is very laid back off the field but he's ready for combat as soon as he crosses that white line.
"The next stage of his development is to come into men's football. He's played consistently For the Spurs U21 side and you don't do that by accident. The sky is the limit for him and the challenge is for him to come in and make a position his own."