Paul Simpson has not ruled out recalling Taylor Charters from his loan spell – but has no immediate plans to bring back the young midfielder.
Carlisle United’s manager has seen two of his key midfield men ruled out for the season in Callum Guy and Jamie Devitt.
It leaves the Blues depleted in that department at a time Charters is with National League North leaders Gateshead for the rest of the campaign.
United are able to recall Charters with 24 hours' notice if required.
Blues manager Simpson said the possibility of the 20-year-old coming back has been discussed.
But he said the fact Charters is getting valuable game time in the north east was currently the best situation.
Asked by the News & Star if the Maryport man could return, given the midfield absentees, Simpson said: “We’ve certainly talked about that.
“To be honest we’ve talked about him coming back since the first week I was here.
“He’s now getting regular game time in their team over there. I think the best place for him to be is playing football, and at this moment I can’t guarantee him any football here.
“For his development, he’s in a good place.
“It may be that we might have to make the decision to recall him, but at the moment I think he’s in the right place, and hopefully the players we’ve got here will be able to show what they’re capable of and get us results.”
Charters has been a regular in the Gateshead side recently amid their winning run which sees them well placed for a return to non-league’s top tier.
His latest start came in their 4-0 win over Curzon Ashton on Tuesday and will face Bradford Park Avenue this weekend.
Simpson, meanwhile, is yet to confirm who will replace Guy as captain now the midfielder is out for the campaign.
Corey Whelan has deputised for the 25-year-old on occasions this season and took the armband when coming off the bench against Barrow last weekend.
The ex-Liverpool and Wigan man will be favourite to continue in the role if selected against Bristol Rovers this weekend.
Simpson, though, said he wants leaders all over the pitch.
“The truth is it’s not something I’ve ever thought about,” the manager said. “Being honest, last weekend, when Callum had to come off, I had to ask [assistant manager] Gav Skelton, ‘You’re gonna have to help me here, who would be the next captain?’, and he said Corey normally takes it.
“I went, ‘Right, crack on, Corey takes it’.
“I’m not here to radically change what’s going on. I just wanted to tweak things a little bit.
“I’d like everybody to be a leader on the grass. I think Morgan Feeney leads in the way he goes about it, he doesn’t need an armband. Even though he has been right through the Everton development teams.
“I think Jon Mellish goes about his business really quietly and professionally. Dynel Simeu leads by example.
“We’ve got players in that group who are showing they have leadership qualities regardless of not having an armband on.”
READ MORE: Injury blow as Carlisle United captain Callum Guy ruled out for season
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