Mike Williamson has stressed that there are no “bad eggs” in his Carlisle United squad despite a number of players missing out on action recently.

The return of several members of the Blues squad from injury has intensified competition for places at Brunton Park.

But head coach Williamson says those omitted from the team and squad recently are handling the situation in the right way.

“We've got a big squad and I think the quality is evident,” he told the News & Star.

“It's the hardest part of the job and of the industry, letting lads down, and especially good lads who just come in every day with a smile on their face.

“They work their socks off and they've all got quality. So, I think telling boys that they're not even involved in the squad is torture for coaches and for managers – and to see their pain.

“But unfortunately, that is the nature of it And the only way that they can respond is by working hard and really trying to forge their way back in, which that's exactly what I've seen.”

Williamson left record signing Luke Armstrong out of his 18-man squad for last weekend’s draw with Crewe Alexandra

Taylor Charters and Jack Robinson were two more senior players who did not make the bench.

United’s head coach will have more selection decisions at Newport County this weekend with Harrison Biggins available after injury and Jon Mellish back from suspension.

Those who miss out will be expected to handle it the right way, Williamson added.

“I probably wouldn't come [out] and tell you we've got a bad egg in the group, but we actually genuinely haven't,” he said.

(left to right) Taylor Charters, Luke Armstrong and Jack Robinson were all left out of last weekend's squad while Jon Mellish, far right, missed out through suspension(left to right) Taylor Charters, Luke Armstrong and Jack Robinson were all left out of last weekend's squad while Jon Mellish, far right, missed out through suspension (Image: Richard Parkes)

“With everyone's mentality, in the whole changing room, you can feel the togetherness.

“And I think that's why it's been difficult watching the boys suffer like we have in previous weeks, and why now it's nice to see them getting a bit of energy and a bit of confidence and enjoying themselves a little bit more [through recent results].

“We've just got to make sure we channel that into preparing for Saturday.”

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