Last updated at 12:14, Thursday, 30 August 2012

Greg Abbott could be set to widen his player search to defenders to cover the loss of centre-half lynchpin Danny Livesey.

Danny Livesey

The Carlisle United boss admitted he was “uncomfortable” with being reduced to just two fit central defenders.

Abbott was already hunting new forwards before tomorrow night’s transfer deadline – but is now weighing up the possibility of making a loan move at the back.

Mike Edwards and Peter Murphy formed an impressive partnership in Livesey’s absence against Ipswich on Tuesday night and will continue at MK Dons on Saturday.

But Abbott said: “We are down to two centre-halves and I’m not comfortable with that situation.”

Livesey has been ruled out for about three weeks after damaging his hamstring whilst reaching down for a ball in training on Monday.

The bizarre injury to the 27-year-old came just two days after he scored in the Blues’ 4-2 win over Portsmouth, and is a blow at a time when Livesey appeared to have established himself as first-choice in Abbott’s back four.

But the United manager was impressed with Edwards after his recall in the midweek cup win and hopes the summer signing can forge a strong partnership with long-serving Murphy.

“Since the start of the season it has been any two from three and they are all good players in their own right,” said Abbott.

“Mike was maybe unlucky to be left out of the team at the weekend but we make decisions and stick by them.

“We know he can do it. We told him to get tight with people after 20 minutes against Ipswich and when he and Murph went up against people they looked in good order – very good order.”

Abbott has until 11pm tomorrow to make permanent additions to his squad but is likely to retain a close interest in the emergency loan market when that window re-opens on September 7.

He will be boosted by the return at MK Dons of Jake Jervis, after the Birmingham loan striker was not allowed to play in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win.

Carlisle will learn their third round opponents tonight with the draw due to be made after the Northampton Town v Wolves game on Sky Sports.

MK Dons, meanwhile, could hand a debut to new signing Jimmy Bullard after handing the former Fulham, Hull and Ipswich midfielder a deal until the turn of the year.

• Coventry have received about 40 applications for their vacant manager’s job, with caretaker boss Richard Shaw also declaring his interest in the job. Kevin Blackwell, Dennis Wise and Sean Dyche are reportedly under consideration, after legendary ex-boss John Sillett called on the Sky Blues to approach Carlisle for Greg Abbott.

First published at 11:31, Thursday, 30 August 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk