Gavin Skelton says Jon Mellish is under consideration for another midfield outing for Carlisle United after his encouraging efforts in the position last weekend.

The Blues No2, himself a former midfielder, said he had enjoyed watching Mellish's efforts in the role at Crawley.

The ex-Gateshead man, 22, could get another chance against Morecambe at Brunton Park tomorrow.

Skelton said that Mellish, normally a centre-half, had benefited from being allowed to express himself in the new position.

Chris Beech's assistant said: “It was enjoyable to watch Jon [Mellish] play that midfield role.

“There was a bit of rawness from him and he played free. Sometimes you can almost over-coach people and they get restricted in what they’re doing.

“He probably should have scored two goals, but it was good to see him getting into those positions.

“When we looked back at the stats he covered a lot of ground, and I was really pleased for him. He’s been out of the team, so for him to come in and play a different position was really good to see.

“I think the manager is always looking at possibilities of different players playing different positions or doing things they maybe aren’t used to.

“Jon definitely did that so it’s obviously something we’ll consider for [the Morecambe game].”

Tomorrow's game, meanwhile, will see Lewis Alessandra face the club he left for Carlisle in January, while the visitors are set to include ex-Blues John O’Sullivan and Cole Stockton.

Skelton added: “It always adds a bit of interest when players are playing against their former clubs. It does have that extra edge but I’m sure if Lewis is selected he’ll be raring to go just like he always is.”

The coach also said a strong finish to the season is in United’s minds as well as moving further away from any lingering danger.

United are hoping to increase their 13-point gap above the relegation place against the second-bottom Shrimps, having eased relegation fears in recent weeks.

Skelton said: “You want to win all the time and you want to climb up that table.

“Looking at the teams above us, it’s where you want to be at the end of the season.

“We’re not just happy with safety, I don’t think we should accept being happy with that. We want to continue to win games.

“[Momentum] is massively important and that’s why we want to win, because that takes it into next week. We look short-term, then long-term you’re always looking to build momentum, even for the next two weeks or into next season.

"When you’re winning games the players get belief as well.”