Carlisle United boss: Jordan Gibson can cause problems in League One

The midfielder was outstanding in the Blues’ fightback to draw 1-1 with Wigan Athletic.

Simpson says Gibson has proved adaptable as well as bright in his performances for United recently.

He said Tuesday’s performance ought to be the hallmark of a player he has always urged to show his best qualities.

“I’ve backed Jordan Gibson from the day I came into the club,” said Simpson.

“He frustrates the life out of me at times but he’s got so much ability, he’s a real creative player, and if he can put the work in that he has done in this start of the season, he’ll cause all sorts of problems.

“I thought last season he showed us versatility playing in midfield, playing wide on the right, and at the start of this season he was playing as a striker.

Gibson was named man of the match on Tuesday (Image: Ben Holmes)

“[On Tuesday] he had to play wide on the left for us when we changed it a little bit.

“He’s shown a real desire. I’ve always thought Jordan had the ability. I talk to him all the time about his body language.

“It’s not that he doesn’t want to work but his body language makes you think he doesn’t.

“I spoke to him probably from the first week I came into this club about it.

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“I like him, I think he’s got a ability, I really do – as much ability and creativity as most players in our group.

“It’s about going and showing it. In the first few games and pre-season he showed it and [against Wigan] I thought it was a really strong performance from him.”

Simpson, meanwhile, was delighted with how Owen Moxon came through his first game back after illness.

The midfielder scored Carlisle’s equaliser – his second of the season – in an impressive showing.

Moxon was substituted in the closing stages after suffering from cramp, with Simpson saying it was always the intention to replace the Denton Holme star at that stage in the game.

Owen Moxon was substituted in the second half (Image: Ben Holmes)

“He worked his socks off,” said Simpson.

“I’d already got the subs getting ready because they were about to be coming on, then he got cramp on the far side and we said we’re not taking any risks.

“I had it in my head that he was going to do 60-70 minutes, I didn’t think we’d get much more if he was going to work at full tilt like they had to.

“I’m pleased he’s got through it.”

Moxon appeared to suffer a knock on his foot shortly before going off but Simpson said he was not aware of any problem there, stressing it was cramp that led to his substitution.