Norwich City's Tyrese Omotoye praised after impressive Carlisle United debut against Bradford City

The Norwich City loan striker impressed as he led the line in the 2-0 win over Bradford City.

Omotoye, 19, who joined the Cumbrians three days earlier, was given the man-of-the-match award and a warm ovation by supporters.

Assistant boss Gavin Skelton was full of praise for the young frontman’s efforts.

“He’s come with a good reputation, but for his first game, and as a young lad who’s only been up here this week, he showed real desire, quality and understood what we wanted to try and stretch the game and use his pace and run in behind defences,” Skelton said.

Omotoye breaks clear of a host of Bradford players

“If you’re going to keep the ball as a team that’s fine because people will squeeze up – but if you have raw pace it frightens defences.

“Both Tyrese and Omari Patrick showed real pace, electric pace at times, to stretch the game in behind them.

“Tyrese will be very pleased with his debut. It endears him to the supporters – they’ll get behind him after seeing that and he’ll get better and better hopefully.

“He comes with good pedigree and he’s started well for us.”

Skelton also praised the relentless effort of Jon Mellish, who impressed in attack alongside former Swindon Town and Leyton Orient loanee Omotoye.

Jon Mellish

It was the latest game when the former defender-cum-midfielder has started in attack.

Skelton said: “Jon does that…he always covers the most distance every game no matter what, every day in training.

“To keep driving...it’s a big part of the game, even if you’re not on the ball, it’s making them make mistakes, so they’re kicking it ten yards forward instead of 50 when you have to defend it.

“You defend as a team and that was evident.

“Jon’s a fantastic lad and that’s one of the reasons why you want him in the team – he brings that energy and honesty, competes at every ball in both boxes.

“I wish he’d got some more goals in the last few games to reward his effort and performance, but I thought [Mellish and Omotoye] did well as a pair.

“Behind them Corey Whelan and Callum Guy looked composed and controlled in there, in wide areas we looked a threat, and at the back we were solid.

“Everything looked good. When you win 2-0 you’re pleased, but people become aware of you more, so you have to work even harder. I think we can improve and we’ll need to, to hopefully keep winning games.”