Paul Simpson says Carlisle United must show patience with Omari Patrick as he bids to get back to full tilt.

Manager Simpson says the forward, who missed a large spell of pre-season with injury, is still striving for maximum fitness.

But Simpson said popular Patrick will be a major threat for the Blues once he is back into his stride.

The 26-year-old is set to face Grimsby Town tonight having got his first start of the league season against Swindon Town on Saturday.

READ MORE: Carlisle United's Paul Simpson calls for 'character' in Grimsby Town clash

Simpson said Patrick’s start came sooner than was ideal but he said the ex-Bradford man was giving everything to get back to his best.

“I feel bad for Omari in a way, because he’s having to get fit with having missed a big chunk,” United’s boss said.

“He’s getting fit out there under the scrutiny of everybody watching and people can be critical of that.

“But he dug in and did really well on Saturday. The chance he missed in the first half wouldn’t have counted because he was offside, so he got out of jail with that one.

“He worked tirelessly, he ran, he created moments for us, and I think when he gets fully fit he’ll be effective and he’ll do an excellent job for us.

“There are frustrations because of players being injured, but sadly that’s just part and parcel of the game. We have to deal with it.”

Patrick came in against Swindon with Ryan Edmondson out with a hip injury.

He was a key man in United’s revival under Simmo last season and the manager hopes to make the most of his attributes again in 2022/23.

“He gives you a different type of outlet because of his sheer pace and the confidence he has in his own ability,” Simpson added.

“Once we get him a bit fitter, and fully fit if we can ever get to that point with him, then he will be a real threat.

“He is a confidence player and when you’re fit you get confidence from knowing that you are able to cope.

“He’ll get better, so we have to manage him through this little spell so we get to a point where he’s comfortable with where he’s at.”

Patrick’s fellow attacker Kristian Dennis, meanwhile, is aiming to make history by scoring in his fifth straight game tonight.

Not since Alan Ashman in 1953 has a Carlisle player found the net in the club’s first five games of a season.