Georgie Kelly looks set to be available for Carlisle United this weekend after a groin problem was found not to be serious.

The striker complained of a sore groin at half-time in Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup defeat to Stoke City, when Kelly was an unused sub.

The news raised fears of another injury lay-off for the ex-Rotherham United man, but boss Paul Simpson has played down that prospect and said Kelly should be available for the clash with Barrow.

He says a scan has shown that there is an issue with Kelly’s groin – but it is one that can be managed rather than leave the 27-year-old on the sidelines.

“It's good news,” said Simpson today at his press conference before the Barrow game at Brunton Park in League Two on Saturday.

“He [Kelly] obviously felt some discomfort and I would imagine because of what he's been through [Kelly has missed lots of football at United with calf problems], he panicked a little bit.

“He just said, ‘Look, if I'm really needed [on Tuesday], I'll go on but it'll be better for me if I don't have to’, so we just had to get through without him.

“He had an ultrasound scan on Wednesday and that showed that there is something there but it's not something that he needs to drop out with, it's not something that needs surgery.

“With some sort of pre-activation exercises he can strengthen that area and he can just continue with his training and hopefully be okay.

“It’s literally just some different exercise, some real basic, simple exercises to strengthen it and get him through it.

“He's been out and trained today and trained well, so there were no problems there – hopefully there are no side-effects to that and he should be available for the weekend.”

Former Bohemians man Kelly’s start to life at United following his January move from Rotherham was dogged by a calf problem which ruled him out until April.

A further calf issue during the close-season led Carlisle to nurse him through the early stages of pre-season, before Kelly featured in United’s last four friendlies and then as a late substitute in their league opener at Gillingham.