Keith Millen believes Dynel Simeu will be better for his tough Carlisle United debut.

The Blues manager threw the Southampton loan defender straight into the side for the clash with Sutton United.

Simeu was preferred at the back to Morgan Feeney for the Cumbrians’ 2-0 defeat.

Millen admitted the Premier League teenager suffered a few nervy moments but he was happy overall with how Simeu acquitted himself at Brunton Park.

“I felt, Sutton being Sutton, and Dynel being Dynel in what I’ve seen of him, it was a good time to play him,” the Blues manager said.

“I know he’s not match-fit, so I knew it was a little bit of a risk.

“But we’ve brought him here because he’s a big, strong, aggressive, first contact defender, and he will get better.

“I was pleased generally with him. There were a couple of mistakes that he will make as a young defender, but he will get better for us without question.

“It was tough decision to leave Morgan out but I just wanted to see Dynel and I felt we need his physicality for the game.”

Simeu’s outing against Sutton was his Football League debut.

Millen must now decide whether to continue with the former Chelsea prospect in United’s next game at Salford City tomorrow night.

“I just felt I needed to put him in, just to get him going,” Millen added.

“He certainly hasn’t been playing in these type of games, but I felt it would be a good start for him to try and really get used to League Two, and competing.

“He’ll be better for the experience without a doubt. Not every team plays the Sutton way.

“He tired a little bit at the end but he will get better without a doubt.

“He will adapt to what’s needed to defend in League Two.”