Boss Chris Beech has praised Carlisle United physio Ross Goodwin for his dedication amid his continued work on Joshua Kayode’s fitness.

Head coach Beech said Goodwin had offered to make the long trip to Southend on his own as a result of his ongoing work with striker Kayode and his ankle injury.

Beech said he turned down the offer but said the physio had shown a “commendable” attitude.

“Ross went in early on Friday, before we travelled, to do a one-on-one session at about 8am,” Beech said.

“Fair play to Ross, he rang me at home on Thursday night to say he would stay all day in Carlisle and travel after he’d treated JJ [Kayode], and come to the game.

“That’s the sort of commitment I want from my players.

“But I wanted to make sure there were no hiccups for our actual match, so we decided to get him in early.

“Fair play to Ross for the commitment to do that off his own back, it’s commendable.”

Beech said Kayode is close to a return. “He’s back running and we’re hopeful he’ll be available but I’ll have to wait and see.”

Goalscorer Offrande Zanzala will also be checked after he went over on his ankle late in Saturday’s game.