Danny earned his chance, says Carlisle United boss

The summer signing was handed his first league start for the Cumbrians in the 2-1 win over Salford.

And Devine grabbed his opportunity, ending the game with the man-of-the-match award.

The 23-year-old has had to be patient for his first-team chance at Brunton Park with Beech having preferred Callum Guy, Joe Riley and Jon Mellish as his regular midfield three.

Riley, though, made way for Devine last night.

Beech said: “He [Devine] was a Rolls Royce – strong, quick and he’s starting to show more aggression. Because of that he’s got his reward.

“He was excellent against Aston Villa [in the Papa John’s Trophy], and really good against Fleetwood in a reserve game. I rewarded Jon Mellish last season for that against Kendal, and his career and life’s changed for it.

“You have to make sure that’s available to everybody, because in a workforce then you feel you have fairness and have extra competitiveness and drive, not just for themselves but their team – it’s not mine, it’s theirs.

“Danny showed that joining us and Joe did in coming on [as a sub in the second half] to make sure we seal the win.

“It was difficult decision with Joe because he’s done nothing wrong. I explained that to him.

“He was completely supportive of it. He was in the changing room wishing everybody well before the game.

“I said to the lads straight away afterwards – ‘well done to the three substitutes’. They helped us and it’s not what we’ve had, maybe, at Tranmere or in previous games when players have come on.

“I had big conversations this week to make sure we support the main part of the meal, which the lads did.”

Beech said Devine was an unflappable character who had taken his promotion to the side in his stride.

“You’ll have to interview him, because I don’t know when he’s sulking or happy, he has no heartbeat, Danny! He’s very hard to read.

“I said, ‘You’re playing tomorrow’. He said, ‘Thanks, gaffer’ and went out of the room.

“I knew he’d do really well. His driving, his second balls…I said, ‘You’re a right footed Jon Mellish, let’s have a look at it’. He did and it was worth doing, because we’ve got what we deserved – our win.”

Devine will now be in the frame to start against his former club Bradford this weekend.

His chances of remaining in the side will increase with another ex-Bantam, Callum Guy, ruled out of the game.

The midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season last night, meaning he faces a one-match ban.

Callum Guy received his fifth booking of the season last night before later going off injured (photo: Barbara Abbott)

Guy also had to be substituted 15 minutes from time and is being assessed, Beech suggesting it was a potential chest/rib injury. The United boss was due to consult physio Ross Goodwin to learn the details of the injury.

United’s boss also praised Lewis Alessandra, who marked his recall with a superb opening goal.

“He was excellent,” Beech said. “Really good running, leading the line as a No9…

“He’s good friends with [Salford striker] Ian Henderson, they both played for Rochdale at the same time. I said, ‘If you get in front and have a better game than Hendo, you’ll be on the right end of possibly goals and points’.

“Unfortunately for Ian he got injured challenging one of our defenders who just stood strong. I hope Ian’s good, but I’m really pleased Lewi played every so well, and what a great goal.”

Bennett, meanwhile, put in another emphatic display in defence, also heading his second Blues goal from a Guy free-kick.

Beech hopes to extend Bennett’s short-term deal and said: “He’s a good player, very good player. Don’t write anything about him. We’re trying to keep him!”