Carlisle United striker Josh Kayode pays tribute to Gateshead after scoring on his North East return

The on-loan Rotherham United frontman put the Cumbrians ahead just after the half-hour mark with a neat touch and finish after the home defence struggled to close him down.

But a stunning second-half strike from a Heed trialist ensured that Kayode had to settle for a draw on his first return to Tyneside since a productive loan spell last season.

The striker led the Gateshead front-line during the first five months of the campaign scored six goals in 22 games for Mike Williamson’s men.

Kayode believes that his time on the south bank of the Tyne helped his development as a player as he looks to impress in League Two throughout the current season.

He told The Echo: “It’s always good to come back and see all of the old faces.

“This place will always have a special place in my heart because it was my first proper loan spell.

“All of the lads were amazing to me and the supporters were amazing to me too.

“But when you’re out on the pitch, you just have to forget about all of that because you have a job to do.

“I went back to Rotherham as a better player after my loan here, it toughened me up physically and mentally.

“I grew up during my time at Gateshead.”

Kayode returned to Rotherham in January and was rewarded for his form with a new two-and-a-half-year contract.

He was also given a first chance to impress in the Football League with a short loan spell at Carlisle and scored three times in five appearances for the Cumbrians.

He has now returned to Brunton Park on a season-long loan and he revealed his determination to prove his worth to United manager Chris Beech.

“I can’t wait to get going here,” explained the striker.

“My starting position isn’t a given, I’ll have to work hard to get it and keep it.

“I just want to help the team by scoring as many goals as I can and let the gaffer know that I should be playing every week.”