No2 Gavin Skelton hopes Carlisle United will get some “answers” on more transfer targets early this week.

The Blues still need a number of additional signings to bolster their squad, especially in attack.

Manager Steven Pressley has suggested this week should give United a better indication on some of their main targets, with loan signings having been earmarked up front.

Skelton said he appreciated fans are eager for news and hopes for progress soon.

“I know it gets frustrating for people but there’s a lot of work going on,” he said.

“Hopefully we’ll be getting more answers at the start of the week and that leads you to knowing [where to move] – if one doesn’t happen, then there’s other ones.

“There are irons in the fire, as they say.”

Carlisle’s latest prospective new signing, Lewis Brunt, was involved for the first time in Saturday’s 4-0 friendly win at Penrith.

The 18-year-old Aston Villa midfielder played in the first half a day after linking up with the Cumbrians.

Brunt is to spend two weeks training with Carlisle before a final decision is made on a season-long loan deal.

Skelton said: “It was good for him to get involved with the lads.

“Friday was his first session and he’ll be better for that first 45 minutes, getting to know the lads.

“This week we’re hoping to do a bit more tactical work and he’ll get to understand how we play.

“For now he’s got something in his legs so that’s positive.

“Over the next couple of weeks he’ll have a look at us and we’ll have a look at him especially. It’s good both ways.

“Our next games on Tuesday and next Saturday will be a real good test for him.”

Before Saturday’s game, United were moved to dismiss a rumour over Adam Collin’s future, with some fans speculating the keeper may be leaving the club.

Carlisle said Collin was “going nowhere” and said he had been omitted from their first two friendlies because Pressley wanted to give Louis Gray opportunities. Collin, they said, will play in United’s final three friendlies.

Hallam Hope picked up another goal while speculation continues over his future, with Blackpool and other clubs having been linked with the forward.

Skelton said United remain pleased with Hope’s contribution so far.

“While he’s here, and hopefully he’s here long term, he’s really positive,” the coach said.

“He’s trained well, and in two games he’s scored two goals, so that’s credit to him.

“We’ll see what happens. He’s trained well, played, come through it fit and got a goal. so that’s good for his confidence.”

Some of United’s other senior players – Collin, Mike Jones, Byron Webster, Stefan Scougall, Christie Elliott and Jack Iredale – were not involved at Frenchfield Park.

Skelton said they were given a “breather” after the intensity of United’s first period of pre-season training. They will be expected to be back with the squad at Chester on Tuesday.

United’s three trialists all got a 45-minute outing against Penrith with one of them, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, scoring. He along with Elliott Reeves and Tyrone Duffus should get another opportunity on Tuesday.

They featured along with some first-team players in the first half, before 10 youth players plus first-year pro Keighran Kerr represented Carlisle in the second half.

Kerr and Josh Galloway were both on target in the second 45 minutes.

Skelton added: “It was a very productive afternoon, and I think for Penrith as well.

“It was a good workout for the first team after a really hard week – you’d expect a bit more as pre-season goes on but they got 45 minutes, a good touch of the ball, a lot of possession, and there were some good passages of play.

“Then in the second half I thought the young lads, the 18s, acquitted themselves really well.

“Penrith had a good crowd in and they got a good workout. Everyone got something from it.”

Skelton also said teenage midfielder Josh Dixon, who last week signed anew two-year deal, was also rested. “He’s trained exceptionally hard [last] week to good intensity.

“Everyone picks up little niggles, so it was wise not to use him.”