Paul Simpson says Corey Whelan has done his case no harm with his pre-season showings at Carlisle United.

The former Liverpool defender stepped in for injured Morgan Feeney in the Blues’ victory at Bolton.

After a strong performance in that 3-1 win, Whelan then got a further 90 minutes in yesterday’s 1-0 defeat to Livingston.

Feeney was not involved in that game, with United having one friendly – against Morecambe on Saturday – remaining before the big League Two kick-off.

READ MORE: Carlisle United beaten by Scottish Premiership side Livingston in friendly

Manager Simpson confirmed he had been impressed with 24-year-old Whelan.

He said: “He’s had a good pre-season, Corey.

“He’s been fit, kept himself in good shape, and he just does things properly. It’s as simple as that.

“He hasn’t done himself any harm.

“In fact, looking back [at the Bolton game] I’m not sure if anybody’s done themselves harm, really. They’ve all gone and performed really well for us.”

United are continuing their training camp at Largs, which included yesterday’s behind-closed-doors to Scottish Premiership side Livingston.

The manager is aiming to fine-tune his selection decisions for the start of the campaign against Crawley Town on July 30.

While Whelan has impressed in defence, Simpson was pleased with how United grabbed their goals at the other end of the pitch against Bolton.

After stealing back possession to score the opener through Ryan Edmondson, the Blues went on to plunder close-range efforts through Ben Barclay and Kristian Dennis.

Simpson said the way United came back at Bolton at stages in the game was positive.

“I keep saying last year we got done too many times on a transition,” he said.  “Because the structure wasn’t quite right.

“I think if you have the right shape about you, when you do lose the ball you’re in a position to win it back quickly.

“That was the pleasing thing about Saturday. Although they were scruffy goals, I’ll take a lot of scruffy goals this season if that’s what we have to have, because it means the players are in the right places.”