Georgie Kelly’s Carlisle United shirt gave Paul Simpson the sense that the striker will be a “handful” for opponents.
After recuperating from an injury, the deadline-day acquisition finally made his Blues debut as a substitute in the victory over Peterborough United.
Since Kelly joined United from Rotherham United, the team and Kelly have experienced a difficult period, but Simpson noted that Kelly’s appearance at the Weston Homes Stadium offered encouraging signs for the future.
“He appears to be quite dangerous and a handful.” The manager of Carlisle commented, “He exudes a hunger.”
In some ways, he resembles an old-school striker. Still, his attempt to chip the goalie was admirable.
It’s a great blessing for us to have him in the organisation. We must control him and maintain his integrity.
Georgie Kelly made his Peterborough debut over two months after arriving at United. Pictured is Richard Parkes.
“It’s good to have him involved, but I think we will only see the best of him in the upcoming season.”
Kelly’s appearance against Posh was his first in a first-team match since his last substitute appearance for his former team, Rotherham United, against Stoke City in the Championship on January 13, due to a calf injury that he sustained a few months prior.
Simpson is hoping that Luke Armstrong, the new record signing, and the 27-year-old Irish forward can share the attacking load.
The United manager will now consider whether to include Kelly in the starting lineup for tomorrow’s match against Lincoln City, when the former Bohemians favourite will be looking to make his home debut.
The striker helped Carlisle hold off Posh on Good Friday, helping the Cumbrians secure an excellent 3-1 victory. He came off the bench.
Simpson believed that the result supported an aggressive strategy against a hazardous home team.
He stated, “I think everyone would have assumed before the game that we’d come in and try to shut up shop and go with a back five or even a back seven and just keep it tight.”
