Paul Simpson says Terry Ablade appears to be the fastest player he has worked with in his current Carlisle United spell.
And the manager says it is crucial the Blues find a way of making the most of the Fulham loanee’s acceleration.
Simpson said Ablade showcased his speed in his first outing for the club in a reserve game at Blackburn Rovers last week.
United’s boss, who then gave Ablade his first-team debut as a sub at Port Vale, said it was clear what the Finland Under-21 international has to offer.
“There were bits in the game at Blackburn where he’s shown a turn of pace where he’s gone quicker than anybody else has ever ran in our team in my time at the club, making an overlap past Jack Ellis,” Simpson said.
“He’s got electric pace. We have got to find a way to use that pace.”
Ablade could get another outing in today’s Central League Cup reserve game at Wigan Athletic.
Simpson’s comments on the 21-year-old’s speed are particularly notable given he has worked with other pacy players such as Omari Patrick and John-Kymani Gordon in recent times at Brunton Park.
Ablade was unable to inspire a turnaround at Port Vale as Carlisle went down 1-0, but Simpson said United have to work out ways of making the most of all their frontmen given the current lack of goals.
“Around the club he [Ablade] has been really good, very positive – he’s got a real good attitude to stuff and a real determination to do well,” said Simpson, who is hoping to bring in another forward before Friday’s transfer deadline.
“I don’t think [on Saturday] we were able to put him in areas where we can see what he’s really like – the pitch hasn’t opened up for him.
“But the truth is, we’ve got to find a way to use all our front players better than we are, in terms of Sean [Maguire], in terms of [Ryan] Edmondson, Luke Plange, Dan Butterworth…
“We’ve got players here who have ability, who have capabilities of scoring goals. Unfortunately we’re not giving them enough to go and feed off.
“People might be starting to lose faith in what I’m saying, but I honestly believe we’ve got players who can score goals, who can cause problems. We need to start doing it soon.”
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