New defender Ben Barclay is a player who will set high demands of his team-mates.

That is the view of Carlisle United assistant manager Gavin Skelton.

The coach’s first impression of the Stockport loan defender is that he will not shy from saying his piece.

Barclay made his first United outing in Wednesday’s 9-0 friendly win at Kendal Town.

And Skelton said aspects of the 25-year-old centre-half’s personality have already caught the eye.

“Even in the warm-up – yes, it’s unopposed, but there were demands from him, which is good,” Skelton said.

“I noticed when we played other League Two teams, the ones who do well are almost taking it themselves, because of the demands.

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“They don’t let standards slip, and I get the feeling he might be one of them which is pleasing.

“The more of them you can get in the building and the squad the better.”

Barclay will hope to build on his first 45 minutes in a United shirt when the Blues head to Workington Reds this weekend for their third friendly.

Another new face to enjoy a positive first Carlisle outing in south Cumbria, meanwhile, was Sonny Hilton.

The Fulham loan man scored two goals as he got his Blues career under way.

Skelton says he is looking forward to the 21-year-old further integrating himself into Paul Simpson’s team.

“He’s a good footballer,” Skelton said.

“Hopefully [he will be] exciting against stiffer challenges.

“He’s been back training this week, which is pleasing; he just had a minor knock last week which is why he missed the Penrith friendly.

“Hopefully he’ll get stronger and stronger and get to know the group, and get that cohesion – with the players, even the new ones, there’s already some good link up and hopefully he’ll start finding those connections too.

“The manager knows him well from working with him in the England set-up. He comes with a good CV and you could see he has his quality.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. Hopefully he can be a real asset to us.

“In those tight games when it’s scrappy, hopefully he has that bit of extra quality you need to unlock a defence.”