Chris Beech says he has seen another good sign in his Carlisle United players – their anger.

The United boss revealed there were some feisty words exchanged in the dressing room after last weekend’s draw at Crawley.

And as the Blues boss prepares for this Saturday’s home clash with Morecambe, he said he is happy for his players to vent at each other as long as they continue to channel their passion in the right way.

United dominated against Crawley at the People’s Pension Stadium, particularly in the second half, but were unable to turn their pressure into goals as they had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

Head coach Beech said: “The lads were fuming, they were agitated.

“I’ll be honest with you, there was a bit of passion in the changing room after the game.

“The defenders are resolute, the forwards haven’t scored, it’s kind of like, ‘Well you do your job, I’ll do ours. We’re doing all of it’.

“I don’t mind a little bit of that. It means they care.

“We’ve got to direct that care, and in the performances they are doing.

“As a manager, you can only but say well done, keep going, and you’re so close to getting on a real strong winning run.”

Beech’s account of the post-match discussion in Sussex may be seen as evidence of an improved mentality after questions were raised over the mindset of some players earlier in the boss’s reign.

Just three weeks after he took charge, a 3-0 defeat at Colchester prompted skipper Adam Collin to claim some players needed “a wake-up call” and to “really have a long, hard look at themselves individually and as a collective unit”, adding that he was “frustrated and biting his tongue at times.”

Since then, and following their January transfer window work, United’s overall form has improved.

Their draw at Crawley meant they have lost just once in their last seven games, although they will be seeking to improve their victories tally against Derek Adams’ Shrimps, who are five points below United in League Two.

This Saturday’s game will see ex-Blues Cole Stockton and John O’Sullivan return to Brunton Park while Lewis Alessandra will be expected to face the club he left for Cumbria in January.

Beech is continuing to assess Harry McKirdy’s fitness ahead of the weekend.

In his absence, and that of sidelined Joshua Kayode, Omari Patrick has started United’s last two games and Beech hopes for more from the ex-Bradford man.

He said: “I thought Omari played his lone striker role well at Crawley – I still want more from him, but I thought he did very well, backed up with Lewi and Nathan [Thomas], and us being solid in midfield.”