Carlisle United boss says in-form Kristian Dennis is in best shape of his career

The experienced striker has scored in each of Carlisle’s first three games of the season.

And ahead of his bid to make it four in a row against Swindon Town tomorrow, manager Simpson has praised the 32-year-old for the condition he has in.

“He’s come back in real good shape. He’s come back probably as fit as he’s ever been,” said Simpson.

“That’s credit to him. Credit to the work he’s been prepared to do over the summer weeks and during pre-season.

READ MORE: The 60-year Carlisle United record in the sights of in-form Kristian Dennis

“He’s getting his rewards for it and some good goals.”

Former St Mirren, Notts County and Chesterfield marksman Dennis scored United’s first two goals of the campaign in league games against Crawley Town and Colchester United.

He then came off the bench to score in the Carabao Cup defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

If he adds another against Swindon he will be the first Blues player to score in the club's first four games of a season for 60 years.

“His goal the other night was excellent – a great pass in the first place from Owen Moxon, a great first touch [from Dennis] and, to slot it away, a real calmness about him that you get with goalscorers. Hopefully he carries on,” added Simpson.

All three of Dennis’s goals have been set up by summer signing Moxon.

Simpson has been impressed by the way the Carlisle-born midfielder and Dennis have linked up.

“I think we saw that in the first pre-season game at Penrith,” Simpson said.

“The ball was played over the top, and Mox has got that in his locker.

“Kristian likes to make that sort of run, he wants to play on centre-halves’ shoulders.

“Long may that continue as far as I’m concerned.”

Owen Moxon

Simpson, meanwhile, has spoken of the benefit of another big and vocal home support this weekend.

It is United’s second Brunton Park game of the campaign and the manager said: “It would be a huge advantage. I can’t speak highly enough of how our supporters have been so far this and last season for the time I was here.

“They’ve been absolutely magnificent. We want to keep that. Now, we have to put on a performance to keep it. We totally get that.

“This will be a real testing game against Swindon. I think they’re a really good football team. They try to play out from the back, through the thirds, with Jonny Williams - he’s a good, experienced player - and they’ve got good players up front who can cause problems.

“If we can get the supporters through the gates, get them in making it a really good atmosphere for our players, our players get a lift from that and that’s what we want this weekend.”