Paul Simpson says it was the right time to call on Paul Huntington’s experience back in the Carlisle United team.
The 36-year-old Cumbrian returned to the Blues’ survival fight at Barnsley with his first start since November.
It ended a wait for Huntington to make his comeback after injuries in the autumn followed by a spell when he’s had to be patient for his chance.
He returned as captain in the 2-1 defeat at Oakwell.
“It was his experience – I just thought his experience might just come and help us,” said Simpson, asked about his decision to recall Huntington. “That was it.
“There were some decisions that I had to make that some people aren't happy about. But I have to do what I think and, really, it could have worked.
“Unfortunately, it hasn't. But it could have done if would have just been a bit more clinical.”
Huntington will now hope to keep his place at the heart of United’s defence for the trip to Cheltenham Town this weekend.
The Carlisle-born defender’s return came at the expense of Corey Whelan, who dropped out of both the team and squad as Simpson included Crystal Palace loanee Seán Grehan on the bench for the first time.
Another change to the XI also saw Jack Armer recalled with Jack Robinson left out of the 18.
“I wanted to introduce Seán Grehan into the squad. He’s trained really well and I wanted to get him in,” said Simpson.
“Unfortunately for Robbo and Corey, that meant they both missed out.
“Robbo has been excellent for us but he was left out just to get fresh legs on.”
Fin Back also came off the bench at Oakwell after his return from injury.
The Nottingham Forest loan man had been out since October. He came on for Jack Ellis in the second half at Barnsley.
“I felt as though I wanted some energy in wing-back areas,” added Simpson, explaining his selection changes.
“I wasn’t in a position to change Jack Ellis otherwise I would have changed him as well. That’s why Fin was on the bench, because I didn’t think Jack would be able to complete the 90 minutes.
“It was good to get Fin back onto the pitch. I thought he’d have had to come on earlier if I’m honest – Jack was starting to tighten up a little bit.
“Hopefully with an extra week of training this week, Fin will be ready to come back in [and be available to start games].”
Joshua Kayode, meanwhile, is still not ready to return.
Simpson said of the striker: "It's really frustrating. He's still getting soreness. I don't know where we are with it.
"We were hoping he was going to be running [on Tuesday] but he hasn't. He did a bit of work in the gym. It's a little calf strain he picked up the day before he was going to come back in for the Port Vale game.
"It was two to three weeks [then], but we're now coming up to three weeks this weekend and he's still got discomfort. He's gutted with it as well. We're just going to have to wait and see."
The Barnsley defeat, meanwhile, saw record striker signing Luke Armstrong open his Carlisle account with the opening goal in his third appearance.
“That’s massive – huge for him,” said Simpson.
“It's a really good finish as well – one of those opportunities where we've won the ball back high, maybe you'd say through their mistake, but we were in a position where we've got ourselves set to make the most of those mistakes.
“So I'm pleased for him. It would have been lovely for Dan Butterworth if he could have finished one of his chances.
“It was another good game for Harrison Neal, delighted to get Fin Back into the group, it's good to get Hunts back into it and come through it unscathed.
“So lots and lots of positives. But sadly, zero points.”
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