Carlisle United boss Steven Pressley says he brought in coach Nathan Rooney after more funds were made available to him.

The former Crawley No2 joined the Cumbrians last week as first-team coach.

It had initially appeared that Carlisle would not be bringing in another coach after the summer changes which saw Tommy Wright and Paul Murray leave, and Gavin Skelton step up to be assistant manager.

Pressley, though, says he always ideally wanted another coach and this has now been made possible financially.

“It’s something I’d always wanted but initially I was told we didn’t have the resource to bring in that [extra coach],” United’s manager said.

“It’s obviously changed. Maybe the [Liam] McCarron deal has allowed us that opportunity.”

Asked if, in light of this, he was still satisfied with the funds available to spend on the squad - which still needs a number of additions - Pressley said: “Definitely – I believe that’s there.”

Ex-Blackburn and Fleetwood coach Rooney joined last Thursday and will work with both United’s senior and younger players.

Pressley added: “We want to really push our own young players, and to do that you need a lot of time on the grass.

“We’ll work afternoons with a lot of the young ones.

“We need to have the resource to be able to do that if we’re serious about developing them. Nathan’s got real expertise in that role. He’s an important piece of the jigsaw in that respect.

“He’s also experienced in League Two with Crawley last year, but his main experience has been working with younger players, and that’s an important factor.”

Pressley, meanwhile, expects a good test tonight against United’s second League One opponents in the space of four days.

Promoted Tranmere visit Brunton Park (kick-off 7.30pm) for Carlisle's penultimate friendly after the Blues were beaten 3-1 by Fleetwood on Saturday.

Pressley said: “It will be another really good workout.

“They’re a very physical side, and a very experienced side in terms of league football.

“It will be another really good test for us.”