Paul Simpson says Carlisle United are in the market for a creative midfielder after the injury to Ethan Robson.

But the manager says the Blues were already looking at that area before Robson was sidelined for months.

The summer signing is set to be ruled out for at least ten to 12 weeks with a hamstring tear – possibly more if he needs surgery.

After last weekend’s defeat at Rochdale, where Robson went off injured, Simpson hinted that it may become a transfer focus should he be ruled out for a long spell.

Asked by the News & Star after Tuesday's defeat at Gateshead if this was now more clearly the case, United’s boss said: “To be honest with you, that area was another area that we were looking at strengthening anyway.

“We need to bring another one in, because in terms of having two players for each position, that was an area where we were a little bit short.

“It’s about trying to get that creativity and somebody who can actually break forward.

“Like Josh Vela did [against Gateshead] in all fairness. I thought he showed real good energy. Archie Davies did on that right-hand side too.

Carlisle players applaud travelling fans after the Gateshead defeatCarlisle players applaud travelling fans after the Gateshead defeat (Image: Richard Parkes)

“I thought they were positives when they came on. Unfortunately, we didn't get anything from it [in terms of goals].”

Robson saw a specialist on Tuesday night amid attempts to determine the best course of action regarding the former Sunderland, Blackpool and MK Dons man’s “bad” hamstring tear.

Simpson, meanwhile, expects to bring in a Premier League loan attacker before Saturday’s final pre-season friendly at home to Stockport County.

United’s boss said he did not anticipate any problems or hold-ups, and that the player was due to train with the squad before the end of the week.

The player is set to become Carlisle’s eighth summer signing and their first loan arrival of pre-season.