Jason Kennedy could leave Carlisle United on loan in order to gain first-team football after his long injury lay-off.

Manager Steven Pressley said the popular midfielder has asked about the possibility of a move this month.

Kennedy has fought back from more than a year on the sidelines after a serious pelvis problem.

He made an emotional return as a sub in the New Year’s Day victory at Morecambe but the 32-year-old now wants to step up his time on the pitch.

Pressley said: “It wasn’t easy for Jason over the festive period because he probably didn’t train and get the games he would have liked.

“But he’s certainly getting up to speed. We had quite a good conversation and he was keen to possibly go out and get some football under his belt.

“His [contract is] up at the end of the season, and sometimes in football you’re forgotten very quickly.

“Jason’s absolutely fit but for him and his career he probably feels that, in the next three or four months, he needs to play football, so that people are aware of him looking at next season.

“We totally understand that. Between now and the [end of the] window, if the right opportunity comes for Jason, if it’s right for him, then we’ll allow him to go out and play, because he’s desperate to play at this moment in time.”

Pressley, meanwhile, played down the possibility of any other departures from Brunton Park before Thursday’s 11pm deadline.

He said he had not received any approaches for members of his squad and that he was “satisfied, pleased and comfortable” with the players at his disposal.

The manager added: “[Any player] would like to move or if they’re not in the picture, to somewhere they’re going to play more regularly. But I’ve got to consider us as a club and the importance of the squad in the remaining 16 games.

“I can’t guarantee anybody game time but everybody’s got a contribution [to make] one way or another.

“I’m quite satisfied with the group at this moment in time. In general, very pleased with the attitude of the players.

“It’s important we have competition for places, and everybody’s got a part to play.