Carlisle United boss's update on Moxon and Barclay injuries

Midfielder Moxon and defender Barclay did not travel to Devon for the 2-1 defeat because of leg and knee issues respectively.

Simpson, though, suggested neither problem was serious and both would hopefully be back in the mix for next Saturday’s home clash with Oxford United.

“Owen’s was a dead leg he got just above his knee, it was too painful,” said Simpson.

“His leg keeps giving away – he tried to do some work [but he] wasn’t fit.

“Ben Barclay got some sort of nipping on his knee. We thought it was a bit of a cartilage issue but he’s had a scan and for once it’s come back clear.

“We’re quite pleased about that. We don’t think they’re long-term, we hope it’s just a small issue and they’ll both be available for next weekend but we’ll just have to see when we get back to Carlisle.”

In the absence of Moxon, Harrison Neal made his debut in midfield while Corey Whelan was recalled in defence in place of Barclay.

Simpson’s other change to his XI saw Luke Armstrong given his debut up front at the expense of Joe Garner.

“[When players are out] you’ve got to have somebody else prepared to step up. I thought Harrison Neal did – he was very good,” said Simpson of his new midfield signing.

Simpson did not include another new signing, Seán Grehan, in his squad, although he travelled with the United contingent.

Paul Huntington, after returning to fitness, was not involved at Exeter.

On Grehan, Simpson said: “With him being part of the Under-21s at Crystal Palace, he broke up for Christmas on December 21, so he’s literally done about two days of work with the football group, two days with us, so I just thought it was a bit early.

Seán Grehan was with the squad at Exeter (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I wanted him to come along today to be part of the group, to get a feel for it, I think that will be important for him.

“Hopefully over time Sean will settle into the group and show us what he can do.”

Simpson, meanwhile, commented on his decision not to include Huntington. When asked by BBC Radio Cumbria, the Blues boss said: “I don’t think Paul Huntington’s a sub if I’m going to be honest.

“He’s a player who could start once he gets to a level of fitness but he’s had setback after setback.

“He was out with his calf then we got him to a level where he’s close to returning, then he was out with his quad.

“Over the last few weeks in my opinion he hasn’t done the level of work where we can take a risk and put him in.

“I like Sam Lavelle in the middle of the back three – he wasn’t going to be moved out of there, so the automatic one [to replace Barclay] was Corey.

“I pick a bench I feel is right and with options who are able to come off the bench. It’s not an easy thing to do at Hunts’ age [36] – that’s a decision I made and I stand by it.”