Manager John Sheridan insists he is not "panicking" as he aims to end Carlisle United's wait for more new signings.

The Blues boss, who still wants five more faces, says he is being careful to bring the right type of players to Brunton Park.

Sheridan admitted United were still "short" of players after his first win as United manager in Saturday's friendly at Penrith.

With under three weeks to go until the new league campaign, he said: "I'm not panicking. I know there's lots of players out there.

"We've got to work around financially how we get them in and make sure it's the right deal for us.

"First and foremost, we have to make sure they're the right player for us.

"I'm very close to bringing players in. I'm sure one or two people are getting frustrated, and I know we're short - anyone who comes to watch us at the moment can see that.

"But it's not a negative because I'll sort it out."

Sheridan has so far brought in five summer signings whilst also running the rule over trialists.

He is understood to be looking closely at the loan market as he tries to increase that number.

The United boss added: "In my eyes we need five to strengthen us. I'm working very hard to try and get them.

"I know what positions we need and the kind of players we need. We're on the case. I'm talking to clubs, talking to players, it's just getting it over the line.

"Sometimes it can be a lot more difficult than you think.

"I'd like to get them in before [the] Bradford and Workington [friendlies]. The players we're bringing in are not gonna be anywhere behind our players. They're all gonna be fit and will have been playing."

Sheridan's numbers were further depleted on Saturday with striker Richie Bennett pulling out of the Penrith game during the warm-up.

The manager said Bennett had a knee problem that he did not want to risk on the hard surface at Frenchfield Park.

Gary Miller and Jamie Devitt also sat the game out but Sheridan hopes all three will return at Kendal on Wednesday.

On Saturday's 2-0 win against the Northern League Division One side, with goals from Cole Stockton and Max Brown, the United manager said: "It's very early stages.

"It's an excellent pitch but you could see the dryness in it - that made it difficult for both teams to play.

"It was a run-out, and match time for players again. No disrespect to Penrith but I would have liked to score a few more goals.

"But we've won the game and kept a clean sheet."

Sheridan, his staff and squad were at yesterday's family fun day at Brunton Park.

He said: "It's important that myself, the players and staff attend the fun day, mixing with the crowd.

"They [the supporters] will play a big part in us having a successful season."