Carlisle United: Luke Armstrong ready for debut at Exeter City

The new Carlisle United striker is expected to be available to make his debut for the Blues at Exeter City on Saturday.

Armstrong’s arrival from Harrogate Town was confirmed last month but the frontman has had to wait until the opening of the transfer window for the move to be completed.

Simpson, speaking on Monday, suggested the final rubber-stamping of the deal had been delayed because of issues connected to FA rules and the player's agency.

United have not yet given a definitive update on that since then, but Simpson did not anticipate a major hold-up.

And the 27-year-old record signing is itching to start his Blues career, Simpson says, and the manager is looking forward to being able to call on his qualities.

“He’ll bring energy, he chases lost causes, he’s good in the air, he’s a goalscorer, which, let’s be honest, it’s glaringly obvious it’s what we need,” Simpson said.

“He’ll bring some real energy and a quality player into the group.”

Armstrong was at Brunton Park on Saturday to watch his new team-mates claim an important 2-1 win over Port Vale.

His first matchday involvement with the squad is now set to come in another crucial game as United make the long trip to take on a fellow struggler in Devon. Exeter sit one place and three points above third-bottom Carlisle.

Armstrong has not played first-team football since November 14 - when he faced Carlisle with Harrogate (Image: Ben Holmes)

Should he make his debut, it will be Armstrong’s first outing since mid-November, when he made what turned out to be his final Harrogate appearance against Carlisle in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.

Simpson said the striker has trained well since linking up with the Blues and is ready for action.

“He is absolutely desperate [to be involved],” said Simpson.

“He has trained so well in the time he’s been with us.

“He’s really enjoying it, enjoying knowing he’s got a chance of being involved in the game, because it’s been a long time.”

Simpson, meanwhile, is closing in on further signings at Brunton Park ahead of the Exeter game.

And the manager expects players who picked up knocks against Port Vale to be available this weekend too.

“Taylor Charters got cramp, but also got smashed on his knee, but it was more just a cut – I think once he has a rest he’ll be fine,” added Simpson.

“He’ll want to be involved. He’s a good player to have in the squad, I really like what he brings to it.

“Owen Moxon took a bit of a dead leg, but I think he’ll be ok as well – fingers crossed he’ll be fine.”