Carlisle United boss Chris Beech looks set to get a double defensive boost ahead of the Blues’ new season opener.

Morgan Feeney is set to return to training this week after missing the last two games with injury.

And Rod McDonald’s substitute appearance against FC Halifax Town has helped put the fit-again centre-half also back in contention.

The defensive duo will give Beech some welcome selection decisions ahead of next Saturday’s League Two curtain-raiser against Colchester United.

United’s boss fielded summer signing Corey Whelan at centre-half alongside Aaron Hayden in the 3-0 win against Halifax.

A second-half tactical change saw midfielder Jon Mellish drop back into defence, before McDonald came on for the final 15 minutes.

Assistant boss Skelton said: “Rod trained on Thursday, he’s had 15 minutes in the game, and we also trained after the game and did that full session.

“He’ll be another one that gives us competition for places.”

Ex-Everton and Sunderland man Feeney is on his way back after going off in the first half of last Saturday’s friendly against Blackpool.

Skelton added: “Morgan’s hopefully not far away. He’s been with me and the physio [on Friday] afternoon, and he trained after the game, so he should be all ready to train on Monday as well.”

Midfielder Danny Devine, who has a muscle injury, appears the only likely absentee for the Colchester game at this stage.

Skelton also welcomed the latest outing for right-back George Tanner after his recent return to the side.

He said: “George got 90 minutes and looked strong.

“I thought Corey Whelan looked strong as well.

“It’s good for all the lads. We looked at it [against Halifax] where people are getting good game time, looked at the minutes, how many games they’ve played, how much training time they’ve had, so they’re all getting up to the same level and ready for next Saturday.”