Steven Pressley does not expect Newcastle to recall Elias Sorensen early from his loan spell – and says the striker will learn from his time out of the Carlisle United team.

The frontman has made one start and five sub appearances since his season-long move from St James’ Park.

Danish forward Sorensen’s lack of game time led to reports in the north east that the Magpies were “monitoring” his situation at Brunton Park.

Pressley, though, said no concerns have been expressed to him about the situation by the Premier League club.

United’s manager also said the Toon would perfectly understand why Sorensen, who has struggled to impress so far, has not yet featured heavily.

Asked if the Magpies had contacted him about Sorensen’s role, Pressley said: “No.

“Actually, part of a young player’s development is coming out to a team and having to fight for your place.

“That’s real football, and part of their development.

“Steve Bruce and the Newcastle staff will understand – this is a big part of his development.”

Sorensen’s only start came in the 1-0 win at Scunthorpe last month where a frustrating first half saw him replaced at the break.

Before that, the 20-year-old had missed a good chance on his second Blues outing against Salford and could also have opened his account in the Carabao Cup at Rochdale.

He has, though, found himself behind the likes of Olufela Olomola, Ryan Loft, Harry McKirdy, Nathan Thomas and Hallam Hope for an attacking role in Pressley’s starting XI.

An opportunity could come his way tonight in Carlisle’s Leasing.com Trophy tie against Wolves’ under-21s at Brunton Park.

Pressley said Sorensen and other young players at Brunton Park are receiving extra attention on the training ground in a bid to boost their first-team prospects.

The manager said: “We continue to work with Elias.

“We’re working several afternoons a week with him and a number of our players who we’re trying to improve all the time.

“That’s my job.

“I’ve spoken to Elias and said to him exactly how I feel at this moment in time.

“My job, now I’ve spoken to him, is to help him become better and that’s what I’m doing.”