Paul Simpson wants prolific Kristian Dennis to waste little time in becoming Carlisle United’s first 20-goal man for 17 years.

The in-form striker has 17 for the campaign.

Dennis is on course to pass the 20 milestone for the first time at Carlisle since Karl Hawley in 2005/6 during Simpson’s first spell in charge.

The 32-year-old added two more to his tally in the 3-1 win over Hartlepool United.

Simpson wants the experienced marksman to remain hungry in front of goal in the Cumbrians' promotion push.

“Hopefully over these next three or four games he can get up to 20 and then he can look to try and get 25,” said Simpson.

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“He has to keep setting those targets. We’ve never spoke to him about it but as a goalscorer I know he’ll want more.

“He was disappointed he didn’t get that third one [against Hartlepool], he had two chances at it, but we’ve got to keep him right, keep going.

“He’s got real good competition now with Joe Garner in the building and Omari Patrick fit again. It’s good we’ve got those options.”

News and Star: Dennis goes through to score his first against PoolsDennis goes through to score his first against Pools (Image: Ben Holmes)

Dennis earned the man-of-the-match award against Pools after he found space to score United’s second, before heading a third after playing a canny part in the build-up.

He is now the division’s joint top scorer in league goals, with 16, his other coming in the Carabao Cup.

“He knows where to go. He’s a striker, a proven striker,” added Simpson.

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“I remember watching him at Chesterfield when my son Jake was working with him, and he was a goalscorer that season.

“I’ve said this before but he’s getting the rewards for the summer that he had, where he looked after himself and came back in good shape.

“I told them all at the end of the season that I expected them to be fitter, and stronger, and in better physical shape than they were last season, because otherwise they weren’t going to be able to cope.

“Denno looked after himself in the summer, we still have to keep managing him now, making sure he’s right, but he’s getting his rewards because of how he’s going about things.”