Anthony Gerrard has given a positive response after the Carlisle United defender was axed from the Blues’ starting line-up for their win against Bury, according to boss Steven Pressley.

The big centre-half was an unused substitute at Brunton Park on Saturday, with Pressley saying it’s now down to the 33-yearold to prove he should be recalled.

Asked how Gerrard had reacted at training this week to the disappointment, former Scotland defender Pressley said: “Well, thank you.

“One of the things when you are a senior player, and I have been there myself, is every player has a pride and, to a point, an ego. That’s normal, we all have that.

"So when those are dented, it’s never easy. But it’s how you react to that and Anthony came in on Tuesday, and I thought he trained really well.

“He actually trained next to one of our young players, he was talking and cajoling him. That’s what I want, that’s all I ask. He has done that and credit to him for that.”

Pressley also praised loanees Callum O’Hare and Regan Slater for the impact they have had with the Cumbrians.