Last updated at 15:02, Tuesday, 09 October 2012

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott today insisted it is still too early to rush in for a longer loan for Joe Garner – and risk losing the striker.

Joe Garner

The Blues want to keep Garner for a longer spell and are confident they can strike a second deal with his parent club Watford.

But Abbott said there is nothing to be gained by applying pressure to the Hornets for a decision now.

Garner – who scored his first goal in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Walsall – is at the Blues for another week.

And Abbott said: “When his time is up we will ask the question.

“There is a risk you can rush in and they [Watford] can say no. At the minute he has got a little bit of time still to go.

“Hopefully they will let him stay. They need him scoring and playing as much as we do, so it works for everybody.”

Garner has earned praise from Abbott and No2 Graham Kavanagh for his impact both on and off the field since his September 18 arrival.

After three goalless outings, the 24-year-old showed signs of getting back to his best with a strong display at the Banks’s Stadium.

He has established a promising strike partnership with Danny Cadamarteri which Abbott thinks can flourish in the absence of regular target-man Lee Miller.

But Garner’s failure to score even more goals at Walsall had left him frustrated. Abbott added: “Joe is a top, top kid who really enjoys his football and scoring goals.

“He was nearly desolate that he missed the header right on half-time. We have to keep reminding him that what he is doing is fantastic for us.

“He is a player well-loved and respected at this club and hopefully we will see him get some more goals.”

Abbott, who loaned Paddy Madden out to Yeovil last week, insists he is in no rush to do any more transfer business.

“Touch-wood we are alright injury-wise,” he said.

“We needed to find out about Paddy. He got his goals on Saturday and put himself on the map, which is fantastic.”

JColman@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:26, Tuesday, 09 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk