Boss Steven Pressley insisted it was a “risk worth taking” to play Jamie Devitt yesterday even though the Carlisle midfielder limped off in the second half.

Devitt suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury after being rushed back into the starting line-up.

The schemer is a doubt for Monday’s trip to Grimsby but Pressley said he was “proud” that Devitt wanted to play despite having trained only one day in the build-up to the Lincoln win.

He also said the Irish player, who wore the captain's armband, would be in line to return for crucial games provided United keep up their play-off challenge.

Pressley said: “It was a risk worth taking.

“Dev wanted to take the risk, which shows his commitment to the team, which is fantastic. This result could be a huge result in terms of giving us the opportunity to go to the play-offs.

“Now the group of players should want to deliver that to Dev, because he was willing to risk himself for today’s game.

“If [he’s out for] a week, two weeks, if we take care of business he will come back at a really important time.”

Pressley said midfielder Kelvin Etuhu had also been determined to play despite his recent ankle injury.

“They both only trained one day, they really wanted to put themselves out there for the side and deserve enormous credit for that,” the manager added.

“Devitt’s a big influence on the team, a matchwinner and it shows the commitment we require here if we’re going to be a success.

“I think [he has suffered] a recurrence of the hamstring. I hope it’s not too bad.

“Devitt will be a clear doubt for Monday. Kelvin was icing his ankle after the game and we’ll assess him over the next 24 hours.

“Kelvin gave a mammoth performance, full of grit, determination and focus. We really hope we can find a way to get him out on the pitch.

“After losing Devitt I don’t want to have to make too many changes going into this game. We want to keep the momentum, keep the belief.”

Pressley also said Mark Cullen and Danny Grainger could soon return from injuries.

He had considered including Cullen on the bench yesterday as he battles back from a groin injury.

“Cullen has trained,” Pressley said. “We’re pushing him back really early. He’s had quite a hard week.

“Danny will hopefully train maybe [today], although he’s still not fully there.”