Carlisle United: Paul Huntington back to fitness, says Simmo

Manager Paul Simpson said the veteran Cumbrian defender is now over the minor setback that delayed his return from a calf injury.

Captain Huntington can now resume the battle for his place in the United rearguard as they face 21 games to save their League One status.

“He’s been training all week, he’s fine,” said Simpson.

“He was fully fit for Port Vale [on Monday] but I felt that was the right back three to go with [of Sam Lavelle, Ben Barclay and Jon Mellish].

“I like Sam Lavelle in the middle of that back three, I think he shows really good leadership qualities, so Hunts didn’t get selected.

“I felt other options on the bench would be more effective coming off the bench if they needed to be, so Hunts wasn’t involved.

“But he’s fully fit and available, and that’s a decision that I’ve got to make.”

Paul Huntington has not featured in the side since going off injured against Bristol Rovers on November 11 (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Huntington has been out since November 11’s defeat to Bristol Rovers and has been limited to just 11 appearances so far this season.

The 36-year-old’s experience, though, could yet prove an important factor in Carlisle’s bid to beat the drop.

Simpson has brought in extra defensive competition in Crystal Palace loanee Seán Grehan while Corey Whelan is another contender for a place in central defence.

United’s manager, meanwhile, was keeping other possible injury issues close to his chest ahead of Saturday’s trip to Exeter City.

He suggested a couple of players were doubtful but being monitored ahead of the long journey to Devon, but did not name the players concerned.

In Monday’s 2-1 win over Port Vale, Taylor Charters suffered a knock to his knee while Owen Moxon suffered a dead leg but, speaking after the game, Simpson said he expected both to be fine.