Keith Curle hopes the chance to continue forging a coaching career will help convince Clint Hill to spend the rest of the season with Carlisle United.

The veteran defender, set to face Grimsby this afternoon (Blundell Park, 3pm) has made a big impact in just over two months with the Blues.

The 39-year-old's initial three-month contract will be up next month but Curle has already confirmed he wants the ex-Rangers man around until May.

And the fact Hill is developing his coaching skills with United could stand in the Blues' favour.

Curle said: "I've made no secret of the fact I'm trying to get Clint to extend his contract.

"Part of that is Clint's progression into coaching.

"He's 39 and has one eye on his future. He wants to stay in the game either as a manager or coach and has the opportunity here to be involved with our development players and the players who are gaining game-time as well."

Vastly-experienced Hill was part of United's coaching team at this week's reserve game at Fleetwood and Curle said he will continue to help the centre-half with his work on the training ground.

On the pitch, meanwhile, the Blues boss has hailed the defensive partnership between Hill and Gary Liddle that looks set to continue against the Mariners.

Liddle has held onto his place despite the recent return of Tom Parkes from suspension.

United's manager said: "When Clint came in, the initial partnership was Clint and Tom Parkes.

"Gary wasn't happy, and came to see me, saying, 'I've came here to play centre-half and I'm not in your team.'

"He was very professional, and I told him to wait for his opportunity, and then take it. He had to be patient, but Tom's sending-off [at Crawley] enabled Gary to play, and he is playing exceptionally well.

"They [Liddle and Hill] are performing at a very capable standard at the minute but for competition they don't have to look very far to see Tom chomping at the bit.

"He is in training every single day with a smile on his face, doing extra. There is a hunger and desire about the lad - he hasn't come here to be a squad player."

Curle said he had spoken to Millwall boss Neil Harris and No2 David Livermore about a possible loan extension for right-back James Brown, who this week signed a new deal at the Championship club until 2020.

Curle admitted there is interest in Brown from clubs in a higher division that are also closer to London. But he added: "James is comfortable and valued here, having had that settling-in period, and jumping ship to another club would mean he has to start that process again.

"You can't guarantee anything. He could go into another team and become a squad player and not get regular games. They are questions James and his advisors will have to answer. Sometimes it's better the devil you know."