Mike Williamson says he is “really encouraged” by Callum Guy’s return to action as the Carlisle United midfielder builds towards his first start after injury.
The influential Guy has made two substitute appearances since making his long-awaited comeback from an ACL injury.
The 27-year-old’s outing in the second half at AFC Wimbledon last weekend was his first league appearance for nearly a year.
Although it came on a bad day for the Blues – a 4-0 defeat that sent them bottom of League Two – Guy’s cameo was positive.
And while Williamson says United must remain “careful” not to ask too much of Guy too soon, he admits the midfielder gave a clear glimpse of the qualities that will help the Blues.
“I thought he showed his experience,” said the Carlisle head coach.
“He came on and calmed things down, he got on the ball, he made good decisions and I thought that was the best spell in a very, very difficult and dark afternoon.
“He’s still got a way to go and we’ve got to be careful. We don't want to risk anything and have unnecessary mistakes.
“I will speak to the S&C [coaches] and the physios.
“But what he has showed has been really encouraging and we want to do everything we can to get him his first start.”
Guy’s return has come alongside that of Taylor Charters, who has also made two sub appearances in the same games after returning from the hamstring injury he suffered in pre-season.
Carlisle hope to welcome more key players back from the sidelines soon. “We’re in an absolute dog scrap but we believe we’ve got the characters to get us out of it,” added the head coach.
As United prepare for Saturday’s visit of Harrogate Town, Williamson says the accent will be on “simplifying” their game so the Cumbrians can play with more “conviction” than they showed in south London.
“It’s going to be psychological, it's going to be making sure we come in and we address everything that we feel is not up to standard – and that's on the players' side and on our side,” said the Blues boss.
“And then we get on that training field because we have to become more understanding and competent in what we're trying to do and how we're trying to play.
“I thought [Saturday] was too in between. We weren't making decisions with conviction and we want to simplify it. We don't want to muddy the waters or have any grey areas so we want to make sure we clean that up.”
FLASH SALE: Subscribe to our full Carlisle United coverage for £5 for 5 months - click HERE
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here