Kyle Dempsey says he was "hurt" and surprised by the stick he got from some Carlisle United fans on his return to Brunton Park.

The Cumbrian midfielder starred for Bolton Wanderers in their 4-1 win on Saturday.

Dempsey, after scoring his side's third goal, cupped his ears towards the Paddock in response to jeering he had faced for much of the game.

The player from Maryport said he felt the need to "give something back" to those who had given him abuse.

Dempsey, 28, spoke of his emotions in interviews with the Bolton media, including The Bolton News, after the game.

“I haven’t been back here since I was 18, when I moved on to Huddersfield, and since I left I have been nothing but supportive of this club," said Dempsey of United.

News and Star: Dempsey is congratulated by Bolton team-mates after his goalDempsey is congratulated by Bolton team-mates after his goal (Image: Ben Holmes)

"I have always wished them the best on social media when they got to the play-offs, I was glad to see them do well.

“But from the minute I went on to the field I got booed - even in the warm-up, every corner.

“I think the emotion showed in my celebration.

"There is only so much abuse you can take and I am going to give something back. It was one of those – if they kept giving it to me I was going to show something back."

Dempsey came through the academy ranks at Carlisle and starred in the first team before moving to Huddersfield in 2015.

He has since played for Fleetwood Town and Gillingham before his current prominent role in Ian Evatt's second-placed Bolton side.

The Cumbrian, who last March received a 12-month suspended prison sentence after an assault conviction over an incident in his home town of Maryport, added of the reaction from some Blues fans: “It is hurtful.

“I went from under-8s [at Carlisle] all the way through to the youth team and played a year here in League Two, and thought I did well for them. I have been nothing but supportive.

“I honestly didn’t think it would be as bad as it was.

"But it could have just been a select few and that is what I have heard. It is what it is. I am buzzing with my own performance and it was a great day for us, so that is all that matters.”