Paul Simpson has decided against recalling Carlisle United’s young loanees despite losing two of his attackers for the season.
The Blues boss had previously suggested he may look to bring back the youth team players currently gaining experience with Workington Reds.
But in spite of confirmation that Dan Butterworth and Sean Maguire won’t play again this campaign, United’s boss has opted to leave teenagers Sam Hetherington, Jake Allan and Aran Fitzpatrick with Danny Grainger’s west Cumbrians.
“I decided that I didn’t want to bring them out of Workington where they’re getting a really good experience,” said Simpson.
“[If they had come to Cheltenham on Tuesday] they would have come as a 19th or 20th man, and I didn’t see the necessary need for that.
“We travelled with the 18 we had available and that’s all you needed. We took a bit of a gamble that if anyone fell ill we’d be short, but I decided to do that because I think it’s important [for those players] to get that experience out at Workington.
“I think everybody else is ok [from Tuesday’s victory] – there are a few kicks and aching limbs but hopefully we won’t need to recall anybody for the weekend.”
Simpson went on to confirm that both Butterworth and Maguire would miss United’s remaining three games against Blackpool, Wycombe Wanderers and Derby County.
It follows problems which flared up in Saturday’s defeat to Northampton Town.
“Butts had a scan, he’s got a calf strain that’s six to eight weeks,” said Simpson.
“Sean has been managing a long term achilles injury which he’s been trying to get through, because he knew we needed him available.
“Credit to him for that. But he’s had to have an injection to settle that down, because he got to a point on Saturday where he said, ‘I’m in too much pain and now that it’s sealed and we’re relegated, I need to get myself sorted out’.
“I think he’s had the injection [on Tuesday] which I think will put him in a boot for a couple of weeks. Then that takes it through to the end of the season.
“But these things test you and you have to get on with it.”
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