Carlisle United are hopeful on young defender Josh O’Brien’s ankle injury after an X-ray came back clear.

The teenager is still facing a lay-off after the injury he suffered in a loan appearance for Carlisle City last week.

But the Blues are relieved that the 18-year-old has at least not suffered any bone damage.

O’Brien was stretchered off during City’s 3-1 win over Birtley Town last Tuesday, and had an X-ray on Thursday.

Joint caretaker boss Steven Rudd has given an update on the defender.

“His X-ray was clear, which is a positive in terms of bone and any breaking,” said Rudd.

“He’s now got a scan pencilled in [for today] to check the ligaments and joint properly, to check what the actual damage is.”

O’Brien, who is with Carlisle City on a half-season loan, is on a third-year scholarship deal with United.

He is one of three young players currently out on loan, with Jake Allan and Aran Fitzpatrick having recently joined Workington Reds on work experience deals until the end of the year.

In the absence of O’Brien, Carlisle City drafted in experienced former Workington Reds defender Sam Smith.

He made his debut for Dan Kirkup’s side in a 1-1 draw at Easington Colliery in Northern League Division One on Saturday.

Allan and Fitzpatrick, meanwhile, made the second appearances of their latest Workington spell in a 2-1 defeat to Matlock Town in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.