Sky Sports’ pundits were full of praise for Owen Moxon after Carlisle United’s play-off clash with Bradford City.

The Denton Holme midfield star was described as a player likely to have admirers in higher leagues.

Moxon, the Blues’ player of the season, was influential in Carlisle’s performance in their League Two 1-0 semi-final first leg defeat.

Former QPR and Nottingham Forest star Jamie Mackie was impressed with the 25-year-old’s all-round game.

Mackie said: “Coming away from home, in this kind of hostile environment…he took the pressure on his shoulders and he’s the driving force for this Carlisle United side.

“I think he shows real quality.

“Sometimes when you’re labelled a set-piece specialist, because he’s had so much joy from that, you can miss out on what he’s actually like in the middle of the game.

“I think he controls the tempo for them. He’s a very good footballer.

“Whatever happens to them this season I think he’s got plenty of suitors in leagues above, that’s for sure.”

News and Star: Owen Moxon evades Bradford's Alex Gilliead in the first legOwen Moxon evades Bradford's Alex Gilliead in the first leg (Image: Richard Parkes)

Mackie’s fellow pundit Courtney Sweetman-Kirk, the Sheffield United forward, told viewers that Carlisle could take encouragement from their first-leg display despite the defeat.

She also praised the way Bradford controlled aspects of the Valley Parade encounter.

“It’s still in the balance,” she said.

“I liked Bradford’s game management – they went more direct, pushed that Carlisle back line, then kept the ball…their intelligence and in-game management I was impressed with.

“Carlisle in the second half had more impetus. When they put the two up front [in substitutes] Ryan Edmondson and Kristian Dennis, they looked a lot better and I’d probably expect them to start the next game.

“Jack Armer on the left but some good balls in. There are a lot of positives to take for Carlisle.

“In the home leg they will fancy themselves to get something.

“Moxon put some good balls in, they just couldn’t find that cutting edge in the final third.”