Richie Bennett could still have a future at Carlisle United if he bangs in the goals for Morecambe, the Blues' director of football has said.

Bennett yesterday joined the Shrimps on loan until the end of the season after struggling for first-team action at United.

The half-season move could spell the end of the striker's Carlisle spell as he is out of contract in the summer.

Director of football David Holdsworth, though, said United could still activate an option to extend Bennett's deal if he impresses in Lancashire.

Holdsworth said: "Richie is still part of our club and someone we put a lot of faith in and paid money for.

"It would be remiss of us not to have the option to retain his services.

"The club has an option in the summer which we can initialise if we want to - it is in our favour.

"We hope he does well at Morecambe for Jim Bentley, who has been interested in Richie for some time."

Bennett, 27, joined the Blues in a £50,000 move from Barrow under Keith Curle in summer 2017.

He has scored 12 goals in 73 appearances.

Holdsworth added: "The club gave the previous manager the option and the backing to bring Richie in and it hasn't quite worked out for him.

"That's why we have allowed him to go to Morecambe, and we hope he goes and finds some form for the rest of the season."

Holdsworth, meanwhile, said he was delighted Kelvin Etuhu would be remaining at Brunton Park for another season.

The midfielder has triggered an extension to his current deal.

Holdsworth said: "We have had some good conversations and Kelvin is enjoying his best term under our stewardship.

"We feel delighted he is going to be with us next year and, if he continues in the same vein, he can become a major force in this league."

Holdsworth also suggested former caretaker bosses Tommy Wright and Paul Murray were happy to remain as part of new manager Steven Pressley's backroom team.

"Tommy and Paul seem to have bought into what we are trying to build," he said.