Anton Dudik is back in full training at Carlisle United as boss Paul Simpson weighs up the next step for the striker.

Ukrainian forward Dudik has returned from an ankle injury that ruled him out of pre-season.

Simpson is hoping to arrange a reserve game soon so the 19-year-old can build up his match fitness.

United are also likely to seek a loan move for Dudik to give him some first-team football as part of his development.

“Anton has been back in full training for the last week,” said Simpson.

“Obviously he's not had a game yet, so I would imagine over the next week or two we're going to have to look at putting a game in so that those lads who have not been involved in the starting groups can get some minutes, so we can keep on top of it after the pre-season.”

On the prospect of a loan for Dudik, the United manager added: “I think that's what we'll need to look, at because we have got other forward players and Anton needs to play.

“We need to see what he's like in a proper 11 v 11 men's game.”

Simpson, meanwhile, remains in no rush to sanction loan moves for other young players in the squad.

Teenagers such as Sam Hetherington, Jake Allan and Aran Fitzpatrick could be candidates for such a move, with Workington Reds still keen on moves for some of United’s youngsters.

Paul Simpson is keeping teenagers such as Sam Hetherington, left, and Jake Allan, right, around his squad for the time beingPaul Simpson is keeping teenagers such as Sam Hetherington, left, and Jake Allan, right, around his squad for the time being (Image: Ben Holmes)

But current injuries at Brunton Park mean Simpson is keeping the players around his own first-team squad at the moment.

“You saw the other night [against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup] that we were allowed nine subs and we only had eight, and that included Jake Allan and Sam Hetherington,” he said.

“So unless we get some players in and also get players fit then I'm not prepared to leave ourselves short.

“People might think that's being selfish but the lads are really enjoying being involved with the first team.

“That's what they're here for so we'll make that decision when we feel the time's right.”

Fitzpatrick has returned to training after a knock to his hamstring, and youth team forward Freddie O’Donoghue has also returned from an injury.