Carlisle United manager Keith Curle feels Jamie Proctor is “benefiting” from playing alongside Jabo Ibehre as he again praised the in-form striker.

Ibehre has scored three goals in three games and earned the Blues two 1-1 draws from their Easter double-header against Hartlepool and Stevenage.

But, in over two months, only three players have scored for out-of-form United, who dropped out of the League Two play-off places after Monday’s fixtures.

Jamie Proctor enjoyed a lively start to his Carlisle career as he scored and then was sent off on his debut in a 2-1 win at Leyton Orient, though he has struggled to hit top form since.

But the frontman turned provider on Monday, sending in the cross that led to the goal and boss Curle feels few League Two defenders will be looking forward to coming up against the pair with the United manager hoping Proctor’s assist will have given him a confidence boost.

“The kid is on fire and he is hungry,” the Blues boss said on Ibehre’s recent form. “It’s what we need right now – we need that focal point.

“Jabo is enjoying his football. Jabo is enjoying his football club which is good.

“I think Jamie Proctor is benefiting from playing alongside Jabo. As a strike force now, I don’t think many centre-backs will be relishing 95 minutes against them two.”

Another option up front will be at Curle’s disposal this Saturday when Shaun Miller returns from suspension, while Ben Tomlinson came on in Monday’s draw, with George Waring and Samir Nabi unused substitutes for the game.

Curle feels his players are creating enough chances, and just need “that little rub of the green” in front of goal to get back on track.

“I think we’re creating chances. I think, on Friday [against Hartlepool], we probably created enough chances to win two games,” he said.

“Other teams are getting that little bit of luck, ours is coming. That little rub of the green that all teams need, all managers need – mine is coming and we will get it at the right time.”