Last updated at 11:55, Thursday, 13 August 2015
Keith Curle says transfer-listed Gary Dicker has done his cause no harm after a fine performance in the Capital One Cup triumph over Chesterfield.
The midfielder impressed in Carlisle’s 3-1 victory despite being one of five players Curle has made available for a move.
While there is no immediate sign of the Irishman’s status changing at the club, manager Curle has praised Dicker’s approach since the start of pre-season.
Curle said: “Gary’s situation is exactly the same – he’s a professional who’s trying to get game-time, play football matches and play football in the right way.
“We said from day one of pre-season that everybody would get treated as men, as professionals and adults, and they’ve got to earn their rewards.
“Performances like that from Gary on Tuesday earned rewards and accolades.
“He came in and showed a good understanding of the role required, and good application and desire to play the game in the right way.”
The 29-year-old Dicker’s display may have given Curle a selection dilemma for Saturday’s visit of Cambridge, with fellow midfielders Luke Joyce and Jason Kennedy expected back having been rested for the Capital One Cup tie.
The United boss said he will have “headaches” in several other positions after the likes of Alex McQueen and Angelo Balanta impressed on their first starts.
Curle said he expects frontmen Charlie Wyke and Steven Rigg to be available despite picking up knocks, while defender David Atkinson will be assessed after suffering a muscle spasm against the Spireites.
United will learn their second round opponents tonight when 12 Premier League clubs not involved in European competition enter the draw.
Curle, meanwhile, says he will continue working on Carlisle’s passing style of play which impressed fans on Tuesday.
He added: “We are a massive work in progress – nowhere near the finished article.
“But the players have now had a great opportunity to introduce themselves to the Carlisle supporters and they are enjoying the atmosphere and environment they’re working in.
“We’re in a results industry and the philosophy we preach has to have rewards. We don’t want to be a passing team without forward thinking and penetration.
“We want to entertain. You could hear some of the supporters enjoying the passages of play. There were a couple of gasps when the goalkeeper was rolling the ball out, but then two or three passes later we were advancing over the halfway line, and they liked that.”
The latest Carlisle United Official Supporters’ Club roadshow is being held at the Hazeldene Hotel in Gretna tonight at 7pm.
First published at 11:49, Thursday, 13 August 2015
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
