Paul Simpson says he is impressed with how Jordan Gibson has risen to the challenge of League One.

The Carlisle United midfielder capped an impressive run of performances with the dramatic equaliser against Peterborough United.

And Simpson is delighted for a player who he says has “knuckled down” after receiving criticism last season.

“He’s done really well,” said Simpson of the former Bradford City man.

“He’s had a few games where he’s played 90 minutes and I’m not sure that happened last season.

“But he’s working hard and he’s come back with a determination this season.

“I’m really pleased with what he’s doing. He gets a lot of stick because they all think he’s one of my favourites, but he probably got more stick than anybody else off me last year.

News and Star: Gibson salutes the crowd after his goal against PeterboroughGibson salutes the crowd after his goal against Peterborough (Image: Ben Holmes)

“I think he was the one player who got called into my office [the most] and got shown clips, got criticised – probably constructive criticism if that’s fair to say.

“This year I think he’s really knuckled down and is producing real good performances, and that [Tuesday’s equaliser] is a great reward for him. I’m really pleased.”

Gibson’s goal against Posh was his first of the season, and his first since scoring against Grimsby Town in early March.

The 25-year-old will now hope to continue in the same positive vein when Carlisle go to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

Simpson, meanwhile, is set to have more discussions with head of recruitment Greg Abbott over the free agent market.

The Blues boss is considering his options after injuries to midfielders Taylor Charters and Dylan McGeouch.

United’s boss hinted that they had been close to a deal last week only for their attempts to be dashed.

“There were things that were happening last week but we ended up getting done right at the last minute,” said Simpson.

“There isn’t anything live at the moment. I’ll have conversations with Greg.

“My sole focus [was on the Peterborough game], because I knew I was going to be making changes and I really wanted to get my head around what was right to do in the game.

“I’ll have conversations with Greg again. I want us to be better in terms of the performance, in terms of results, because I fully accept that results haven’t been good enough.”