Mike Williamson has not ruled out a move in the free agent market to help Carlisle United’s injury-hit squad.

The Blues boss says he and his staff are “certainly” looking at possibilities when it comes to unattached players.

Williamson remains without a number of first-team players to injury with Dylan McGeouch’s calf injury the latest to hit the side.

Also unavailable from the senior ranks at the moment are Aaron Hayden, Daniel Adu-Adjei, Georgie Kelly, Ben Williams, Ethan Robson, Taylor Charters and Callum Guy.

The shortage of cover in certain areas and the need to “protect” his fit players was, Williamson said, behind his decision to leave Charlie Wyke on the bench against Notts County on Tuesday night.

Asked if he was looking at possible free agent signings during the current situation, Williamson told the News & Star: “Yes, we certainly are.

“We're exhausting all avenues.

“The hard thing is that we want players to come in to really affect the starting XI, and it's difficult.

“You've got to be really careful when you're bringing boys in because there's normally a reason, in terms of injuries, not quality.

“There's some really good players out there that are on frees, but it's normally because they've picked up injuries and it's the circumstances that dictate why they're a free agent.

“But of course, we're working hard. We're exhausting all different avenues, and there is a possibility that there might be somebody available that can come in and really add quality to us.”

It appears unlikely that Williamson will have any of his sidelined players back for Saturday’s trip to Colchester United.

McGeouch’s calf injury will keep him out for “a few weeks”, the head coach has said.

The Blues’ squad is being stretched amid a busy period of four games in two weeks, with a Bristol Street Motors Trophy home clash with Wigan Athletic coming next week after the trip to Essex.