Last updated at 11:58, Thursday, 26 July 2012

Blues boss Greg Abbott today admitted he could restore Matty Robson to his old role as a flying winger next season.

Matty Robson

The former Hartlepool man established himself as Carlisle United’s first-choice left back last term.

But Abbott has used him further forward in some of United’s early pre-season matches.

And the manager admitted to News & Star Sport that the option of using Robson’s attacking qualities more in 2012/13 is back under consideration.

“It is an option and certainly one that is not lost on me,” said Abbott.

“If we think it is going to be a better situation with Matty up there, we will do it.”

Abbott has used pre-season to run the rule over alternatives at left-back, with trialists Alessio Bugno and Jonathan Meades competing for a deal.

Chris Chantler remains another option for the position, although he seems pencilled in to start the campaign in central midfield.

Robson, 27, is again likely to be a key member of Abbott’s squad and his ability to play as an attacking full-back will be at the forefront of the manager’s thinking.

“With the way we play, we need power and pace from the full-back areas to add to our attack, and Matty gives you that,” said Abbott. The Blues manager, whose side play their fifth pre-season friendly against St Mirren at Brunton Park tomorrow (kick-off 7.15pm), says he is getting closer to deciding on his preferred starting line-up for the big kick-off on August 11.

But Abbott – who is on the trail of four transfer targets – says there is still plenty of time for players to catch his eye.

“I’m not far away in my own mind but the good thing is that I have an open mind,” he said.

“There are always opportunities for players to push their claims forward, Several of them have come back and made it very difficult for me.

“A lot of head-turning could be done in the next couple of weeks.”

Dale Hopson, Mark Kerr and Ryan Donaldson are hoping for another chance to impress tomorrow along with fellow trialists Bugno and Meades.

First published at 11:29, Thursday, 26 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk