Former England U21 international hopes to overcome injury woes to prove he's worth his while as the Cumbrians' club captain
A product of the Sunderland youth system, Thirlwell signed his first professional contract with the Black Cats in 1997 and made his senior debut for the club in a League Cup clash with York City in August 1998.
He made more than 90 first team appearances in six years at the club, collecting an England U21 cap along the way, but found it hard to establish himself in the first team with any consistency. After a loan spell with Swindon, Mick McCarthy released him in summer 2004. He spent a season with Sheffield United before joining Derby County for a 15-month stint which included a loan period at Brunton Park.
He joined Carlisle in January 2007 on a free transfer. Injury wrecked his 2007/08 campaign, but the holding midfielder remains an integral part of the Blues squad.