Carlisle United have confirmed that Gavin Skelton will get a third game in caretaker charge while the manager search goes on.

Skelton, assisted by Eric Kinder, will remain at the interim helm for Saturday’s visit of Oldham Athletic.

The Blues have not commented further on their search for a long-term successor to Chris Beech.

But it is understood the club are narrowing down candidates with further progress expected after the weekend.

In the meantime, Skelton has been asked to continue in charge.

“I got a brief call yesterday asking me to take Saturday’s game against Oldham,” the coach said at today’s press conference.

Skelton said club bosses have not divulged anything else about a possible timescale with the process.

“I was just asked to take the game on Saturday,” the 40-year-old said.

“I’m sure there’s a process in place and the powers-that-be will be working hard on that, and I’ll continue working hard on the football side.”

Skelton’s first two games in temporary charge saw a 1-0 defeat to Tranmere and a 2-2 draw at Newport.

He will face an Oldham side managed by ex-Blues boss Keith Curle on Saturday.

United remain tight-lipped on the managerial recruitment process with John McGreal still the bookies’ favourite for the post.

There has been little movement in the market in recent days with second-bottom Carlisle so far keeping their plans under wraps.

Skelton, having stopped the rot of defeats in Wales on Tuesday, says he is enjoying the challenge of leading United on a caretaker basis.

He said: “Last time [after Steven Pressley’s sacking] I probably didn’t enjoy it as much.

“However long it is, it’s a unique opportunity whether for one day, weeks or whatever it is. I’ve tried to embrace and enjoy it.

“I’ve learned to enjoy and embrace it as much as I can.

“Whatever happens in the future is what happens. [I have to] take that uncertainty of my own away and concentrate on results.

“The most important thing is the club, and where we are in the league – it’s vital.

“There’s lots of noise around it, and names [being mentioned] I’m sure, but the most important thing is a massive game against Oldham, given where we are, and we must remain focused and concentrated on that.”

Skelton has not been drawn on whether he would covet the job in the long run.

He said he appreciates the help he is getting from coaches Eric Kinder and Mark Birch during his interim tenure.

“They’re been good – Eric’s experienced and I’ve played with Birchy; he probably knows my mannerisms.

“They’ve been very helpful, and were important on Tuesday when we were looking at changing things in the game,” Skelton added.