Paul Simpson says he hopes Omari Patrick’s confidence is growing after the attacker's impact on Carlisle United’s win over AFC Wimbledon.

The frontman made a key contribution to the 2-1 victory with an impressive second-half spell.

It was Patrick’s run and cross that led to Kristian Dennis’s winning header.

The 26-year-old may not yet have hit last season’s heights – but Simpson said the pacy Patrick did not have the ideal circumstances in which to start the season.

And he hopes Saturday’s brighter showing was a positive step forward for the former Bradford City and Burton Albion man.

News and Star: Patrick had an influential part in United's winning goal on Saturday (photo: Barbara Abbott)Patrick had an influential part in United's winning goal on Saturday (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“He’s come into the side [after a pre-season injury] and had to get fit in the team, which I’ve said before I don’t really like,” Simpson said.

“But because of the circumstances, we need him in there.

“He’s got sheer pace about him, he can do different things.

“[In this game] he tested the goalkeeper a little bit better, and he went past people.

“He had a great run in the second half inside the box, pulled it back and it went for a corner.

“He did a lot of good things, and I’m hoping he’s getting fitter and fitter, and more confident, more belief in himself, and we’ll see even more from him.”

Simpson, meanwhile, has said Dennis’ goalscoring instincts are an example for others.

News and Star: Kristian Dennis's penalty-box instincts were praised by Paul SImpson (photo: Ben Holmes)Kristian Dennis's penalty-box instincts were praised by Paul SImpson (photo: Ben Holmes) (Image: Ben Holmes)

The in-form frontman took his tally to seven in nine games with Saturday’s winner.

“I had a conversation with Omari last week about getting in there, at the far post,” Simpson added.

“I joked about a thing we used to have when I was playing, they called it the POMO – the position of maximum opportunity.

“You just get in at that far post. I said it’ll look like you’re really lucky because you’ll get six or seven tap-ins, but there’s no luck about it if you put yourself in those areas.

“That’s what Kristian Dennis did. That’s a forward-thinker. Get yourself into those areas and you’ll score lucky tap-in goals.”