The "unflustered" management of Keith Millen and the return of Omari Patrick has given Carlisle United a good chance of League Two survival, says Jobi McAnuff.

The former Premier League player and Leyton Orient boss believes the Blues have shown signs of genuine progress in recent weeks after previous struggles.

McAnuff highlighted Millen's approach as manager when speaking on Sky Sports' latest EFL Podcast.

He commented on United's improvement in their current run of four league wins from five, which has taken them six points above the drop zone.

"Maybe [it's] that experience Keith Millen brings in as a manager who's been there and done it, doesn't get flustered when results weren't quite what they wanted to start with, and has had time to get across his ideas," McAnuff said.

"Hopefully from Carlisle's point of view they can start edging their way out of that danger zone.

News and Star: Jobi McAnuff (photo: PA)Jobi McAnuff (photo: PA)

"When you look at some of their results recently, beating Scunthorpe and Stevenage, teams in and around them...it's so important to try and take points off teams around you when you're down in that scrap.

"They've done that and [seem to be] going in the right direction, and hopefully from Carlisle's point of view can pull away from that danger zone."

McAnuff also commented on the way United have needed to rebuild after losing a host of important players in the summer.

News and Star: Keith Millen (photo: Barbara Abbott)Keith Millen (photo: Barbara Abbott)

And he highlighted Patrick - who scored on his second debut against Bradford City after rejoining from Burton Albion last week - as a boost for the team.

"When you're at that level you need your best players, but when lose not just one or two but the bulk of that, it's difficult," he said.

"Goalscoring has been a really big issue for them this season. Only Colchester, who've played fewer games, have a worse record.

"Getting back Omari Patrick has been a really important signing for them and he's made an immediate impact.

"He's someone I came up against in my time there. They also lost [Offrande] Zanzala, another forward who was a real handful.

"I certainly feel with that defensive base they now seem to have developed, just adding a few goals should see them [ok]."

The Sky Sports EFL Podcast, which also features a contribution by Blues fan Lee Rooney from the Brunton Bugle, can be found HERE