Mike Williamson has described Ethan Robson’s first Carlisle United start as a “real positive”.

The midfielder was in the XI for his full debut in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town.

There were few plus points on such a gloomy day as Carlisle lost again to see their problems deepen in League Two.

But head coach Williamson was still pleased to get the 28-year-old summer signing on the pitch from the beginning.

Former Blackpool and Sunderland midfielder Robson, who played under Williamson at MK Dons, recently returned from a pre-season hamstring injury.

“He played 55-60 minutes and that’s a real positive,” said the Carlisle boss.

“I think in the first half it was never going to settle down – they [Cheltenham] wanted to come and make it a transitional game, so we were feeding on scraps and we needed to play forward as quick as we possibly could to take the pressure off the lads who were getting pressed.

“We needed to support the ball better, we needed to have the ball carrier, we needed to stretch them.

“But yes, Ethan gave everything, he's a whole-hearted player. He will never give anything other than that.”

Robson has made one start and two sub appearances since returning from a hamstring injuryRobson has made one start and two sub appearances since returning from a hamstring injury (Image: Ben Holmes)

Robson’s full debut followed substitute appearances against Harrogate Town and Walsall.

It was his first start in competitive football since April 20’s outing for Williamson’s MK Dons against Harrogate Town in League Two.

Williamson introduced the midfielder to his side amid four changes against Cheltenham, Robson playing alongside Callum Guy at the heart of United’s midfield.

The changes to the side, which also saw Taylor Charters, Ben Barclay and Dominic Sadi recalled, left midfielders Harrison Neal and Josh Vela on the bench, the pair having started at Walsall in the previous game.

United’s head coach is now preparing for this weekend’s visit of Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup first round, with loan striker Daniel Adu-Adjei back in the mix upon his return from the knee injury which has seen him back at parent club AFC Bournemouth in recent weeks.

Williamson is also soon hoping to call on Dylan McGeouch and Jordan Jones on their comebacks from injury.