Carlisle boss Steven Pressley has challenged in-form Hallam Hope to make the most of his potential.

United’s manager believes the nine-goal frontman can make big strides in the game.

Pressley’s encouragement follows Hope’s appearance on the Sky Bet League Two player of the month shortlist for January.

The 24-year-old ex-Everton man missed out to Bury’s Jay O’Shea for the award but his recent efforts in a blue shirt have not gone unnoticed.

On Hope’s nomination, Pressley said: “He thoroughly deserves that. He’s been a real success story for the club this season.

“If you look at a lot of our creative opportunities, a lot of our shots on target, Hallam’s heavily involved in the vast majority of them.

“He’s playing a really significant role in the improvement of the team over a period.

“He should be proud of himself. But now his goal must be to continue to improve.

“He’s still only a young player, and he’s got, in my opinion, a lot of potential - and he can fulfil that if he keeps improving and working hard on his game.

“He’s certainly making the right progress.”

Barbados international Hope, who has scored six in his last nine games, is set to line up for United against promotion rivals Exeter tomorrow.

The striker joined Carlisle in the summer of 2017 under former boss Keith Curle and is one of many players out of contract at the end of this season.