Paul Simpson has hailed Joel Senior for the way he handled his first Brunton Park appearance for a year.

The Carlisle United manager said the fit-again wing-back showed impressive “composure” in only his second game back after injury.

Senior played the full game in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Newport County.

It was another big step forward for the former Burnley and Altrincham man, who is back from a long-term lay-off with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Senior has stepped back into the side after recent injuries to Fin Back and Jack Ellis.

And Simpson said of the defender's showing in the victory: “Brilliant – I thought Joel and everybody else looked nervous in the first half, but he came through it and showed composure.

“He made one covering challenge in the second half which was brilliant. That was a goal opportunity that he saved with that challenge.

READ MORE: What did we learn from Carlisle United's victory against Newport County?

“I like what I’ve seen of Joel. He will get better and stronger, more freer in his running, and he’ll get more confident in his football.

“You have to remember he came from non-league football anyway, he’s not a lad with 100 league appearances under his belt.

“He’s a young player coming into it.”

Senior’s return is timely given United’s injuries in that position, and Simpson says he looks forward to having more of his options eventually available to compete with the 23-year-old.

Ellis is due back from a hamstring injury in around three to four weeks, with Back set to return later in the campaign.

“We’ll have two good options in that right-back/right wing back slot once Jack Ellis gets fit, then whenever Fin Back gets fit he can come back into the mix as well and it might be an exciting end to the season if we can stay up there,” said Simpson.

“Credit to Joel, for what he’s done over the last nine or ten months to get fit, and now to come into the team and be doing what he’s doing.”