Danny Grainger has challenged Jordan Holt to “force our hands” and make it impossible not to hand him a deal with Workington Reds.

The former Carlisle United midfielder is training with Grainger’s squad and has featured in two friendlies so far.

It sees Holt, 20, with the chance to rejoin Reds after spending last season with Annan Athletic.

Borough Park boss Grainger said the young player will get every chance to impress.

Grainger said: “Holty has come back to us, is training with us and is hoping to secure a place back with us.

“He is doing himself fantastic justice at the moment.

“There has never been any doubt about Holty’s ability. There are other sides of his game that we have spoken to him about, and which I’ve spoken to him about personally, but I think he’s starting to mature in those respects now.

“He knows what I think of him as a player.”

Holt spent two seasons with Workington, initially on loan from Carlisle and then permanently, before moving to Annan.

He has since featured for Reds in their first two pre-season friendlies, scoring in a 5-2 win against Carlisle City and also starting against Penrith when Grainger’s side won 6-2.

Grainger hopes Holt will be able to add something to his midfield options for the new Northern Premier League North West campaign.

“At the moment I’m alright in the middle section, but if he keeps doing what he’s doing, he’s going to force our hands,” said Grainger, whose side host Carlisle United in a behind-closed-doors game this Saturday.

“He’s had an assist and a goal in two games, and he’s a different dimension of midfielder to what we have.

“It’s going to be a case of him being patient to get his opportunity, and when he gets it it’s about him staying in the team.

“If he can do that there’s no reason why he can’t sign with us, do well with us and be part of a successful team.”