Paul Simpson insists it was the right time to throw Anton Dudik in for his Carlisle United debut even in “cruel” circumstances.

The young Ukrainian came off the bench in Saturday’s 4-0 defeat to Cambridge United.

It proved a stark introduction to League One football for the 19-year-old.

Manager Simpson said Dudik would probably not have been involved in the squad so early had other strikers been fit at Carlisle.

But he said the young striker was continuing to show all the hallmarks of a player of real promise.

“It was a horrible game for him to come into, it really was,” admitted Simpson of Dudik’s second-half introduction against Cambridge during Carlisle’s seventh straight League One defeat.

“He’s been really bright, really enthusiastic in training, which you'd expect from a young lad. He’s deserved to be involved.

News and Star: Anton Dudik in action against CambridgeAnton Dudik in action against Cambridge (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“His involvement has come because we've got a lot of forward players who are injured but it is a fantastic story for him.

“I hope he continues to develop which I'm sure with his attitude he will do.

“Maybe it was a bit cruel to throw him into that [on Saturday] because I'm sure he's disappointed that he wasn't able to change anything.

“But losing 4-0 at home against Cambridge wasn't Anton’s fault, that's for sure.”

Dudik’s latest opportunity came in Monday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers B in a reserve friendly, the forward coming close to scoring in both halves.

His continued involvement in the first-team matchday squad will depend on the fitness of others, such as Sean Maguire, who it is hoped could return against Bristol Rovers this weekend.

Either way, Dudik’s opportunity at Carlisle is something to relish, says Simpson.

“It’s fantastic for Anton and his family, who are going through a really tough time at the moment with what’s going on in his home country,” added the manager.

“I toyed with whether it was the right environment for him to come into, but needs must – Sean Maguire wasn’t fit, he had two courses of injections but was still feeling discomfort, hopefully he might be ok for [this weekend].

“Anton has done really well in training sessions, looks lively, looks like a player who can score goals but, like with Luke Armstrong, we have to create chances for them.”