Carlisle United have today reported a clean bill of health after their exhausting victory over Bristol Rovers.
The Blues saw a number of players going down with cramp late in Saturday’s 1-0 win, with some of Paul Simpson’s “shattered” team having to be replaced.
But assistant manager Gavin Skelton said there were no obvious after effects when the squad reported for training today.
Corey Whelan, who went off in the second half, looks set to be available for tomorrow night’s trip to Rochdale where the in-form Cumbrians will be aiming for a seventh win in eight.
“They’ve all trained well today. We haven’t done loads but everyone was on the grass training,” Skelton said.
READ MORE: Carlisle United's Paul Simpson and Morgan Feeney earn League Two recognition
“The starters did less than the non-starters obviously. But we wanted to see how they were, and [they’re] fine.”
Simpson said stand-in captain Whelan had simply “run himself into the ground” against Joey Barton’s side, and praised the ex-Liverpool man for being honest about that.
And Skelton said of Whelan: “He trained today, he looked good today. If he’s selected he should be raring to go tomorrow night.”
Skelton would not be drawn on whether boss Simpson could look to freshen things up at Spotland given the demanding nature of United’s 1-0 win two days ago.
He said: “The manager discussed it and I’m sure he’ll make decisions he thinks are correct.
“Things go through your head but it doesn’t need to be picked until 6.30pm tomorrow…
“We’ve got a good idea of what [the team] is going to be…we’ve got plenty of time to sit on it.”
Tomorrow night’s rearranged trip to Rochdale comes three days after Carlisle’s latest impressive showing amid their superb run of form under Simpson.
United went to the 98th minute to get their 1-0 victory in the bag and the toll it took on certain players was clear.
“Maybe it was a bit of nervousness in the game, Corey started getting it [cramp] but he’s not played loads of games,” Skelton said.
“Jack Armer’s in and out and had a bit of an illness, didn’t play the full game at Barrow…maybe it’s for different reasons.
“It was unusual but it’s one of those things. We trained quite intense last week in preparation, but you’d feel a lot more tired if you hadn’t won.”
Skelton, meanwhile, has highlighted the value of substitutes in helping Carlisle get recent victories over the line.
In particular he mentioned midfielder Danny Devine, who has come off the bench on a number of occasions in recent weeks.
“Credit to Danny – every time he’s come on in the last three or four games he’s been brilliant,” the coach said.
“Credit to him in that role. The manager calls subs the ‘finishers’ – Danny is coming on and finishing the game off really well, with good composure and slotting in there.
“Whoever the manager goes with – I know in midfield we’ve got a couple of injuries – players are stepping up.
“There are players on the bench or not even in the squad who are chomping at the bit, which is pleasing.
“It’s all tied in with results, players know they have to play to their best to try and stay in that starting XI.”
READ MORE: Why Paul Simpson deserves to walk tall after brilliantly saving Carlisle United
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here