Keith Millen has played down any prospect of Danny Graham making an unlikely return to Carlisle United’s strikeforce.

The veteran frontman, who retired earlier this year, recently told the News & Star he would “never say never” on the prospect of helping the goal-shy Blues.

The possibility, though, has remained slim - and Millen says that while Graham’s name has been discussed at Brunton Park, there is little chance of a comeback for the 36-year-old.

“He’s been mentioned,” Millen told the News & Star.

“I know Danny. I don’t know how old he is now – he certainly ain’t as old as me! – and he’s been mentioned, but he’s not in a position or place where he would come in and have an impact.

“We look at every name that’s mentioned. Of course we do. We’re doing loads of work behind the scenes.”

Graham, who played for United from 2007-9, hung up his boots in February after a second spell with Sunderland, which followed stints with Watford, Swansea, Blackburn and Middlesbrough.

Millen has played down the prospect of a free agent coming in to help United’s goalscoring issues before the transfer window opens.

But the manager says there are other ways he could try and help his attacking players.

He revealed he is considering bringing in a specialist striker coach if he can find the right person.

“I’ve thought about someone like a goalscoring coach – someone who can come in and do a little bit of specialist work, maybe that would be something I would look at,” he said.

“I was never a striker, I was trying to stop the goals. I can coach but sometimes a different voice, like a specialist forward…

“I’ve worked with some good people like Kevin Phillips, he was very good at that.

“It’s something in my mind, but it’s difficult – when you’ve got midweek games, there’s not a lot of time to do much extra training and it’s more about recovery between each game.

“That’s something I am looking into. I don’t know people in this area as well as I do the London area so I’ll have to see what’s out there.

“I’ve got people I know but I’m not sure they would travel up here once or twice a week.

“It’s something I’m open to. The more specialist or coaches you can have, the better you can be.

“No-one knows everything about football. I’m always learning. Anyone who can help me, or show something I’ve not seen before, it’s got to be helpful.

“I’m definitely not against that but it would have to be the right person at the right time.”