KEITH Curle insists young Cumbrian Patrick Brough has returned to Carlisle United “with a spring in his step”.

But while the Blues boss has set Brough the challenge of forcing his way back into his squad, he has not ruled out a further loan for the 19-year-old.

Brough made four appearances for Lincoln City in the National League as he sought first-team football after falling out of favour at Brunton Park.

The versatile left-sided player returned to Carlisle after Lincoln opted not to extend the loan, but Curle said the Silloth teenager has benefited from the stint at Sincil Bank.

Curle said: “Patrick came back into the building with a spring in his step that he didn’t have when he left.

“It shows he’s gone out, played competitive football, integrated into another team and developed his personality by being taken out of his comfort zone.

“He has come back in and shown some positive signs. He is facing the challenge now of getting back into the squad here.

“Ultimately Lincoln wanted to build for the future - they wanted to sign somebody [at left-back] who they could see as being a long-term project, and give somebody a two-year contract.

“That wasn’t on offer from Patrick - he went there purely to play some games to top up his credentials.”

Brough is one of few natural left-footed options at full-back or on the wing at Carlisle with skipper Danny Grainger out injured.

But Curle said he would sanction another temporary move for the youth team product if he felt Brough would benefit.

Curle added: “If the right club came up with the right opportunity, and Patrick saw it as being progressive for himself - playing games at a decent level at a club that wanted to utilise the strengths we see in him - then I’ve not got a problem with it.”

Brough is under contract at United until the summer of 2017 having extended his deal last August.

Another local player making good progress at United is Steven Rigg, who is in full training after being sidelined since late November with an ankle ligament injury.

The Keswick frontman suffered the injury just minutes into his loan debut for Barrow.

Curle said Rigg, 23, was now ready to put pressure on the strikers in his first-team.

United’s manager added: “He is being typical Steven Rigg, chomping at the bit and wants that opportunity.

“It’s excellent to have somebody of Steven’s hunger around the group. Players know that, if they’re off the pace, Steven Rigg will do extra - and he is doing extra to shine and show he’s back.

“What I like about Riggy is his work ethic, which is what got him his chance [last season].

“That hasnt changed, which is pleasing, nor has the unpredictability he brings to his game. Sometimes he doesn’t do the norm, but the lad will score goals.”