Last updated at 12:04, Thursday, 13 September 2012

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott today insisted he has not permanently closed the door on outcast winger Andy Welsh.

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The former Yeovil wide man has been sidelined by the Blues boss so far this season, rarely making even the subs’ bench.

It is widely expected that Welsh will leave Brunton Park on loan in order to get first-team football soon.

But Abbott said he would never rule out a return to favour for the 28-year-old, who shone in Carlisle’s 2-1 Cumberland Cup victory over Celtic Nation on Tuesday night, if he raises his game.

The Carlisle boss said: “He needs to prove that he is better than who is in there at the moment. We have had this conversation.

“Dave Symington at the moment is better than Andrew Welsh, and it is up to Andy to perform better than him.

“It’s a simple one. If he [Welsh] proves he is in the best 18, he plays. I would never shut the door on anybody.”

It is understood Welsh was being lined up for a loan departure on transfer deadline day but no deal could be struck to find the ex-Sunderland and Leicester man another club.

With the pacy winger still out of Abbott’s favour, a temporary move remains a likelihood as the Blues boss bids to shuffle his attacking options by bringing new faces in.

Despite figuring in pre-season, Welsh has found himself again out of Abbott’s matchday plans after an injury-interrupted first season at Brunton Park in 2011/12.

So far he has made just six starts and 18 sub appearances for the Cumbrians.

Another left-sided player currently out of favour is Italian left-back Alessio Bugno, who has also failed to make the squad for recent games.

But Abbott maintains that is only because he does not regard the summer signing as a viable option from the bench compared to his other subs.

Bugno lost his place to Chris Chantler at left-back and Abbott said the former Manchester City man had earned the right to have a run in the side.

“It’s not a great issue, that one,” Abbott said. “And in the last four or five games you would be hard-pressed to pick someone more consistent than Chris.”

Abbott is weighing up his options for Saturday’s home clash with Swindon and insists he is aware that fans are urging him to give a start up front to 18-year-old Mark Beck.

The big home-grown striker, along with fellow teenager Dave Symington, again impressed from the bench in last weekend’s win at Hartlepool.

The manager said: “I see what everybody else sees and we have to keep looking at how they train and progress. At 18 years old you have got a bit of time.

“We are aware of it and we’ve got to be careful to put them in at the right time. When Mark came on against Tranmere it was tough for him but against Hartlepool his impact was exactly what we wanted. We want to get them involved as much as we can and they are improving day by day.”

First published at 11:30, Thursday, 13 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk