Paul Simpson has not ruled out a summer move for Jack Diamond as he looks ahead to a “big recruitment job” at Carlisle United.

The Sunderland winger has made 12 appearances during his loan move to the Blues this year.

After a series of starts, Diamond has been a substitute in recent games with United boss Simpson saying he has possibly expected too much of Diamond at times.

The Blues boss, ahead of this weekend's trip to Northampton Town, suggested he will continue to monitor Diamond’s situation when he returns to his parent club at the end of this campaign.

“I’ve probably expected too much of Jack after the length of time he’s been out not playing games,” said Simpson.

News and Star: Diamond has made 12 appearances for United so farDiamond has made 12 appearances for United so far (Image: Richard Parkes)

“He’s found it difficult at times, but there’s a footballer there, a really talented one.

“He’s under contract at Sunderland, they have an option with him, so we’ll wait and see what happens with that come the end of the season, and it may be part of the whole recruitment job – which I can assure everybody will be a big recruitment job in the summer.”

Diamond has made nine starts and three substitute appearances since his January move.

Simpson said the toll taken on the 24-year-old Diamond during his long spell out of first-team football should not be underestimated.

“It’s the physical and emotional side,” added the Carlisle boss, speaking to BBC Cumbria at his weekly press conference about the former Harrogate Town and Lincoln City loan man.

“He has been dragged through the mud with what’s gone on [Diamond fought rape and sexual assault charges and was found not guilty in January].

“Hopefully he’ll be able to come through it. Just as we as a club will be stronger for the experience this season, I’m quite sure he’ll be stronger.”