Carlisle United on Jordan Jones ahead of debut v Tranmere

The winger is in line for his debut today when United host Tranmere Rovers (Brunton Park, 3pm).

Manager Simpson believes the ex-Rangers and Wigan Athletic man’s arrival will give him greater flexibility in terms of formation.

And United’s boss says it is vital Carlisle make the very most of Jones’ attacking attributes.

“I think he's an excellent signing, and you can just see the extra bit of quality when you watch him in training and the way he goes about things,” said Simpson.

“He's a player who I think really adds to the group and we've got to make sure we get him the ball, and get him in the right areas – and I'm quite sure he'll be a success.

• TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY AT CARLISLE UNITED - AS IT HAPPENED

“He's a really confident lad. He wants to be part of taking this club into the top places, and if we can get him firing, if we can get Charlie Wyke firing, Daniel Adu-Adjei and Luke Armstrong firing, we've got some good options in those forward areas.”

Simpson said Jones is “absolutely” ready to be involved this afternoon, with a key question how United line up after operating in a 3-5-2 system in their first four league and cup games.

United’s boss would not show his tactical hand before today’s game but said recent additions have given him more options.

“I think people like Jordan and people like Dominic Sadi give you flexibility, and we can easily change to a 4-4-2, a 4-3-3, a 4-2-3-1.

Dominic Sadi will be hoping to make his home debut this afternoon (Image: Richard Parkes)

“With the players we've got, with the personnel, we can change it and I do think that if you've got good players they do give you that flexibility.”

AFC Bournemouth loan midfielder Sadi will be hoping to make his home debut today while Terell Thomas, Cameron Harper and Dylan McGeouch could all be back in the squad after injuries.

Deadline day arrival Harrison Biggins, though, will not be involved as his signing was not completed in time for today’s game.

Simpson recruited with 3-5-2 in mind over the summer but feels the players concerned can easily adapt to other systems.

“I've got no issue around that, I think they can do both sides of it,” he said.

“If you’re talking about pushing wing-backs back to full-backs, the modern day full-back has to be attack-minded, they have to be able to get forward and be creative and be able to produce crosses.

“I think Ben Williams can do that, Cameron Harper can do that, I think Archie Davies can do that, Jack Ellis is getting better at doing it, so we've got the options in those areas.

“You’ve also got somebody like Jordan Jones who is right-footed, but played as a left-wing back for Wigan in League One last season, so there are players there who can be creative and who can produce quality to get goals.”

Jones came in on a three-year deal with Simpson stressing it is an example of the long-term aims of United's owners, the Piatak family.

"They realise the quality that he's got and it's that commitment, it's that long-term thinking that the club have got," added Simpson.

"We want results quickly, we want the short-term answers but we're also looking long-term as well and making sure that we've got the right people in.

"We've got a few players who are on longer contracts, whether that be through an option or whether that be with the extra years, but these are the things that you have to do if you want to get quality players in."