Mark Cullen and Gary Liddle are back on the training ground and making good progress on their return from injury, says Carlisle boss Steven Pressley.

New striker signing Cullen has joined in with his new team-mates as he steps up his recovery from a leg injury.

Pressley said defender Liddle is also in good shape after his knee injury and, of the two players, closer to returning to availability ahead of this weekend's clash with Exeter.

On the pair, Pressley said today: "Both have trained Monday-Tuesday, and both have come through the sessions really well.

"Gary’s in a better position in terms of his fitness than Mark, but he’s [also] making progress.

"The good thing is that neither of them have reacted. The training pitch has been a little bit heavier this week, which is a good test for them, and they’re both fine.

"That’s really positive. It means we’ve got a strong group for the weekend."

Liddle has missed the last two games - United's first under Pressley - because of the injury, with Gary Miller having taken his place at right-back.

Pressley, meanwhile, said Jason Kennedy will play in an otherwise youthful United side in tonight's Cumberland Cup quarter-final tie at Cleator Moor.

The midfielder is seeking as much time on the pitch as possible after his return from more than a year on the sidelines.

Carlisle are continuing to consider a loan move for Kennedy in a bid to boost his match fitness. Although the transfer window closed last week, short-term loans to National League clubs can still be done.

"JK will play tonight in the Cumberland Cup," Pressley said. "That’s really important for him, to get him game time.

"He spoke to me last week and he needs games, so it will give him the opportunity."