Paul Simpson says he would have no problem in starting the season without adding another goalkeeper to his Carlisle United squad.

Manager Simpson says he will be comfortable in using promising teenager Gabe Breeze as back-up to No1 Tomas Holy if needed.

Simpson has not ruled out bringing in more competition for the big summer signing from Ipswich Town.

There is the possibility of a new trialist linking up with the Cumbrians this week.

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But the United boss said he will not be in a hurry to make a goalkeeping signing if the right candidate does not emerge before the big League Two kick-off in less than three weeks’ time.

“We’re still looking,” Simpson said.

“We’ve got Tomas in there as the No1, and the two young boys [Breeze and Scott Simons].

“Again, it will be dictated to by the finances. If I could find the right number two goalkeeper to come in for the right finances, I would be doing it.

“That’s just not an easy one – it’s not an easy position to fill.

“If we had to start the season with Gabe as our number two I’ll be comfortable with that, and then it may open up an opportunity where, if anything does happen to the big fella [Holy], we’re able to bring in an emergency loan goalkeeper in.

“It’s the one area of the pitch we are protected a little bit outside the window.

“I know that doesn’t answer our question long-term but I do believe that will come when the right opportunity comes up.”

Two senior keepers left Brunton Park this summer with Mark Howard released – and subsequently joining Wrexham – and Magnus Norman turning down the chance to stay in favour of a move to Oldham Athletic.

Holy is one of five summer signings while Breeze, 18, has had two pre-season outings for the first-team so far.

A trialist keeper also featured at Penrith but has since been released, while Breeze’s fellow first-year pro Simons is waiting for his first pre-season outing.