Paul Simpson says it was the right time to recall Paul Huntington after the Carlisle United captain led the Blues back to winning ways.

The experienced defender, on his first outing for a month, was commanding in defence as Carlisle won 1-0 at Burton to end their dire recent run.

Huntington’s absence from the side in recent weeks has been a strong debating point among supporters amid the team’s struggles.

The 36-year-old Cumbrian produced a strong showing to thwart Burton’s bombardment on Tuesday night.

Manager Simpson told the News & Star: “He was close to getting in a few weeks ago – I was going to go to a back three a few weeks ago, but I decided not to.

“Listen, when you’re losing games, everybody who’s not playing becomes a better player. That’s just the nature of the game.

News and Star: Huntington came back into the side for his first appearance in a month Huntington came back into the side for his first appearance in a month (Image: Richard Parkes)

“I have to pick what I think is the right team depending on what I feel the game is going to go like.

“And it hasn’t worked. It’s not always been because we’ve only had two centre-backs, or it’s been Sam Lavelle, or Ben Barclay, or Jon Mellish – there’s been lots of other things that have come into the equation.

“But this game I felt was the right game for Paul Huntington to play, and I thought he led that back line really, really well.

“He headed it, cleared his lines when he needed to, because that’s what [the game] was about.

“I’m really pleased that he’s back into it and then we’ll see how everybody is for the weekend.”

News and Star: Harry Lewis made some good saves to keep his first United clean sheetHarry Lewis made some good saves to keep his first United clean sheet (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson also reserved special praise for Harry Lewis, who made some impressive saves to secure his first clean sheet with the Cumbrians.

It was also only the Blues’ second shut-out of the league season and their first in 28 games.

“We still gave opportunities up to the opposition, but we had Harry Lewis making three or four great saves,” said Simpson.

“That’s a big thing. I’m delighted with that. I’m really pleased with what he brought to the game.

“He showed the qualities he’s got, which we know he’s got. It’s been a difficult time for him settling into the club so that will do him the world of good, and hopefully it will do everyone the world of good and give us something to build on.”