Chris Beech was pleased to see George Tanner get through 90 minutes unscathed on his first Carlisle United game for two months.

The right-back came back into the side at Harrogate following his recovery from a collarbone injury.

Because of Carlisle’s recent string of postponements, ex-Manchester United man Tanner only missed six games despite suffering the fracture in a game against Stevenage in December.

It means the 21-year-old can play a key part in the second half of the Blues’ season as they try to reignite their promotion challenge.

“He did well,” head coach Beech said of the defender. “He tired towards the end, but he’ll definitely enjoy getting through his 90 minutes.

“He’s a very fit lad and worked really hard.”

Beech also handed Brennan Dickenson his first start in the 1-0 defeat, after the summer signing missed the early months of the season with injury, as well as a spell with Covid-19.

News and Star: Brennan Dickenson (photo: Richard Parkes)Brennan Dickenson (photo: Richard Parkes)

The former Exeter and Colchester man had made three sub appearances before last night’s full debut.

“It’s great to see Brennan play 90 minutes, it really is,” said Beech of last summer’s signing.

“He played inside left, left wing and ended up left-back.”