Carlisle United manager's opening-day hopes for Sean Maguire

The striker, who joined the Blues on Saturday, has not featured in any pre-season games.

But Simpson says the former Preston North End and Coventry City man has arrived at Brunton Park in top condition.

And he will assess him closely in training this week in the hope the Republic of Ireland international can feature in the 2023/24 curtain-raiser against Fleetwood Town.

“I’ve got to see him [during] the week,” Simpson said. “I need to see how he copes with the week, what he’s like in terms of his recovery when he’s done sessions.

“The big thing we have to do is make sure we keep everybody fit – we can’t take chances.

“Whether or not he's done enough to be a starter [we don’t know yet] but I'd really want to get him involved, even if it's from the bench.”

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Maguire has signed a one-year deal with the Blues and Simpson believes the 29-year-old can add a different dimension to Carlisle’s attack.

“He’s going to bring experience, he’s going to bring football nous, he’s going to bring ability and I’m hoping he’s going to inject some enthusiasm,” said Simpson.

“I'm looking forward to seeing him in the group and I'm looking forward to seeing him working because he's coming in in a top physical, professional footballer’s state the way he is, in terms of his physique and his sharpness.

Simpson credited head of recruitment Greg Abbott with handling most of the discussions with Maguire (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I'm just hoping we can get the best out of him.

“He's got so much about him. I remember coming up against him as a coach – and he's horrible when he's on the opposition side.

“He's got an incredible leap on him for a for a fella of his size, and he's just got an infectious type of enthusiasm, the way he plays.

“He’s sharp, he's got quality and I don't believe you get to 29 playing at that level if you haven't got that quality.”

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Simpson added that Carlisle had been rewarded for patience in landing Maguire – a player who was on their radar much earlier in pre-season.

“We’ve talked a lot, and Greg [Abbott, head of recruitment] has done the bulk of it,” added Carlisle’s manager.

“I’ve had two or three conversations with him and I think my first conversation was the morning of the Workington game [on July 15] and we’ve been digging away at it since then.

“Thankfully he’s through the door now and he looks in really good shape. He’s been working over in Ireland with an academy group and been doing some fitness training.

“For a club like us to get that type of player, we do have to be patient because we’re not first in the queue because we can’t offer top money. He’s shown a desire to come here and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”