Chris Beech says he wants better performances from Carlisle United to enable promising new boy Jordan Gibson to thrive further.

The recent signing has impressed on his three showings for the Blues so far.

But head coach Beech says Gibson’s skills could have helped deliver more points than they have in recent games - had others also performed to a high standard.

A clear example was Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Scunthorpe when the Cumbrians slumped 2-0 down before fighting back late on.

Gibson was one of the Blues’ main plus points in an otherwise poor overall display.

Beech said of the ex-Sligo Rovers star’s goalscoring full debut: “That’s why we signed him.

“I’d seen him play for Bradford a few times, kept an eye on him in Ireland, stayed in contact with his agent, and of course it’s great that we’ve acquired his capabilities.

“He’ll grow from this point. He’s somebody on the upward curve and he’ll grow into being better.

“I still want more from him but he’ll get supported better on different days, where seven out of your 11 boys are right at it. 

“I want him to play in a winning team, and us to be in a better position to support better platforms to win games, and those skills and assets to come to the fore and he can celebrate them more.”

Gibson was yesterday named in the EFL’s team of the week in recognition of his display against the Iron.

Defender Corey Whelan was also in the League Two weekly select XI.

Beech has described Saturday’s first-half performance as “unacceptable” and admits the Blues must start games much better.

He has also, though, praised the “professionalism” of the players he left out of his side but who came off the bench to help United fight back.

Dickenson and Lewis Alessandra both made way in the side for Gibson and Zach Clough.

Beech said both players had shown the right response to disappointment.

“It’s about a squad, an energy, and a movement together as a workforce,” he said.

“They accepted those decisions, I spoke to the players, and they responded with great professionalism getting their opportunity and chance.

“You can only credit them for that.

“Brennan took ownership of the game, shooting with both feet, heading, crossing, working back, winning every header on a diagonal, using his chest to bring it down instead of flicking it out of play.

“He didn’t get everything right. There’s elements of his performance where there’s opinions about it – but there’s one thing, if you give 100 per cent, back yourself and crack on, you’ve always got a chance, and that’s what Brennan did and what the team did in the second half.”