Clint Hill will have further talks with Carlisle United boss Keith Curle after making a goalscoring appearance for the Blues’ reserves.

The 38-year-old defender caught the eye as he rejoined the Blues squad.

He headed the opening goal for their second string in a 2-0 win against Morecambe at Penrith.

Curle’s No2 Lee Dykes admitted the experienced free agent had impressed in his 60-minute showing.

And he said United would fully explore the “connection” between Hill and his former QPR coach Curle to see if a deal with the Blues was possible.

Dykes said: “We like Clint, Clint knows what we’re about a little bit more as well, and it’s for him and the manager to take forward [now].

“He was in training [yesterday] morning as well and is still fit as a fiddle.

“He played very well and grabbed himself a goal.

“We keep talking. As training days run by, it’s pointless not having him in training with us.

“He’s been elsewhere, he’s felt the grass in other areas, but there’s a clear connection between Clint and the manager.

“Clint loves football and just needs to have a little think about what he wants to do, as does the manager. I’m sure if there’s a connection there to be made, we’ll make it.”

Hill had been close to joining United last month after training with Curle’s squad.

But the centre-half, released by Rangers in the summer, then returned to train with former club QPR.

He was unable, though, to agree terms to rejoin the London outfit and has now returned north to link up with Carlisle.

Dykes added: “He’s fit, and played in a very competitive league last year.

“Clint might be getting on in age, and I’m sure he’s looking to the future, because he’s a forward thinking individual.

“However, I think for any player, Carlisle United is a very exciting prospect.”

Samir Nabi grabbed Carlisle’s other goal in the Central League Cup victory yesterday.

The game also saw Curle and his coaching staff run the rule over two further trialists – one a striker, one a wide midfielder.

First-team players Jason Kennedy and Jamie Devitt played 45 minutes and an hour respectively, with Tom Miller, Sam Cosgrove and first-year pros Cameron Salkeld and Jack Egan also involved along with youth team players.

Dykes said: "First-team professionals needed some valuable minutes for different reasons, and it keeps them topped up.

"Whatever Morecambe team you play, you know you're playing against committed teams with a committed mentality, so it was a good workout.

"A few youth team lads stepped up and put in good performances and the game allowed us to have a very good look at some players.

"Thank-you to Penrith for hosting it - it's a valuable relationship we're creating with them, and a good set-up."