Carlisle United boss targets more support for Luke Armstrong

The striker has started United’s last three games since his move from Harrogate Town was confirmed.

Armstrong got off the mark for his new club with the opening goal in last week’s 2-1 defeat at Barnsley (watch below).

It capped a strong line-leading performance from the 27-year-old, who will be out to impress against high-flying Bolton Wanderers this weekend.

Manager Simpson likes what he’s seen from the former Salford City marksman.

And he believes he can be even better with more back-up in United’s strikeforce.

“I think he's in the games that he's played, he's been doing an incredible amount of work,” said Simpson.

“Outside of the area, he's having to put a real shift in.

“He works, he chases everything, chases lost causes, he wins headers.

Armstrong has impressed Paul Simpson in his early outings (Image: Richard Parkes)

“And I always think the first goal is really hard. Your first goal’s the toughest to get.

“So now that he's got that I really hope he’ll take off.”

Armstrong was United’s first signing of the January window, and Simpson has stressed he is keen to bring in more attacking reinforcements.

That need has only been highlighted after the recent departure of another forward in Ryan Edmondson.

United have been linked with forwards such as Bradford City's Jake Young - who was not in the Bantams' squad to face Salford City last night - and Fleetwood Town's Jack Marriott recently.

“There have been real positive signs from him,” added Simpson of Armstrong.

“And we just need to keep him right and keep him going – and maybe even get a little bit more support for him as well.”

Armstrong has been joined through the January door by midfielder Harrison Neal, defender Sean Grehan and goalkeeper Harry Lewis.

Simpson, after the mutually-agreed exit of Australia-bound Edmondson, said another attacker was high on his list.

“It makes me keener to try and get another forward player in as quickly as we can,” United’s manager said.