Connor Simpson says he is ready for the challenge of proving he can handle the step up with Carlisle United.

The big teenage Preston loan striker spent the first half of the campaign in Evo-Stik Premier with Hyde.

He has since stepped up three levels to join the Blues until the end of the campaign and will be in the squad for a possible home debut against Cheltenham today.

Simpson, 18, admits League Two will set him a tough physical test but he is eager for the challenge.

He said: “League Two is a few leagues above Hyde, although I’ve played in League Two before with Hartlepool.

“I know what the league’s about - it’s a physical league and you have to match the physicality of the team you come up against.

“To do that week-in, week-out will be tough but it will be good for me.”

Simpson said he did not have any reservations about joining the Blues at a time when they were without a manager.

He said things were “normal” under caretakers Tommy Wright and Paul Murray, ahead of Steven Pressley’s appointment on Wednesday.

Simpson, who joined last week from his Championship club, added: “I didn’t really know much about the move – it was like a last-minute thing, but it was a good thing.

“I didn’t have much time to think about it but when it came along it was something I was looking to get in the first place, so I’m glad I’m here.

“There’s a good set of lads here and they’ve all made me feel welcome.

“I can’t wait to hopefully make my home debut, and to let the fans see what I’m all about. Hopefully I can leave good first impressions with the home fans.”

Simpson made his debut as a second-half sub in last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Northampton.

The youngster added: “I was meant to be coming on at 1-0 down, so felt I could have helped get at least a point out of the game, but they [Northampton] scored just as I was coming on which made it harder to come on and do something.

“I gave all I could, and got half a chance, but it just wasn’t our day.”

The 6ft 5in teenager made his mark when coming through at Pools, tracked by a host of clubs before joining Preston in a £50,000 deal last January.

He said: “There were a few clubs at the time who were really interested, and for me Preston was the best move.

“To make that jump, I found it really hard to begin with but after a few weeks I settled into it, and made my debut against Aston Villa, which was a big stepping stone in my career.

“I’m looking to get more experience by coming to Carlisle. I’ve got until the end of the season to do the best I can and hopefully score some goals.”