Last updated at 12:31, Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Jordan Cook is poised to rejoin Carlisle United’s promotion push with Greg Abbott set to re-sign the Sunderland ace before the loan deadline.

Jordan Cook

 Abbott revealed he was confident of securing Cook’s services before tomorrow’s cut-off point for emergency loan signings. 

“It’s alive,” he said of the deal. “I’m optimistic.”

United’s manager is keen to beef up his squad for the final push towards a play-off place.

And if Cook – who starred on his previous Carlisle outing against Bury – returns to complete a 93-day loan period, it’s likely he would be available for United’s next eight games.

That would be a massive boost for Abbott in his side’s bid to reach the Championship.

The Carlisle boss insisted he was not too frustrated with his side’s failure to finish off Preston last night, despite dominating most of the game.

Abbott declared himself delighted with his team’s position in League One with just 10 games remaining.

“Preston defended well and made life difficult for us, although they might be a shade lucky to get a point,” he said. “We’re disappointed we haven’t walked off with all three, but really enthused about the effort, quality and determination of a group of players who are more than competing against big clubs with big resources.

 “We are in our position on merit. You don’t get to 36 games of the season by luck. I’m a delighted manager because we have worked hard to get into this situation.”

Abbott added: “We have probably had some people at this game who haven’t seen us for a few years. Hopefully they have seen we are made of the right stuff. If we can progress that, keeping that fan-base and resources, we are looking alright.”

One player who will not be joining United is Stuart Parnaby, despite Hull dropping their interest in the former Carlisle target.

The former Birmingham and Middlesbrough utility player recently trained with United before trying his luck on Humberside.

 Hull boss Nicky Barmby has opted against signing Parnaby but Carlisle’s boss denied he would make another move for the defender.

“No, that one’s not going to happen,” said Abbott, who faces former Blues boss John Ward at Colchester this weekend.

First published at 11:27, Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk