Paul Simpson is delighted to have finally been able to unleash Georgie Kelly into pre-season action.

And the Carlisle United manager believes the Irish striker will give the Blues a strong option in their reshaped strikeforce in 2024/25.

Kelly came off the bench for the last 15 minutes in the 2-2 draw at St Mirren last Friday.

The 27-year-old had to be patient for his first appearance of the summer after some discomfort in his calf during the close-season led United to nurse him through the early weeks.

“He’s had to be patient because he's desperate to play,” said Simpson.

“He wanted to be in full training [last] week [at St Andrews], but we've had to just make sure we nurse him and we do it properly.

Kelly could now get a longer outing at Rochdale this SaturdayKelly could now get a longer outing at Rochdale this Saturday (Image: Ben Holmes)

“But he's come through it, he had a really strong week, and I thought he looked strong [on Friday] – he put himself about.

“If we can keep him out on the grass, that gives us a really good option with him, with Luke Armstrong, with Chas [Charlie Wyke], with Butts [Dan Butterworth], with another striker coming in and maybe more, who knows.

“I just think it gives us some real good options.”

Kelly, after his cameo at the SMiSA Stadium in Paisley, will now look to build on his comeback appearance as Carlisle prepare for their next friendly at Rochdale next Saturday.

“We’ll keep building him up and working him,” added Simpson, who suggested Kelly could get a longer outing at the Crown Oil Arena.

Kelly joined United from Rotherham United on last winter’s transfer deadline day but injury limited his involvement in Simpson’s side.

He made just seven first-team appearances in the latter stages of the campaign and Carlisle are hoping for much greater impact for the ex-Bohemians favourite in the 2024/25 campaign.