Carlisle United boss gives his verdict on former Fulham man Jayden Harris's first league start

The former Aldershot Town midfielder was called into the XI by Simpson for the clash with Stevenage.

Harris got his chance in the continued injury absence of Owen Moxon – while the big Londoner was preferred to Jamie Devitt in the middle of the park.

The recent signing played the first 72 minutes before being replaced by fellow new boy Duncan Idehen in a tactical switch by Simpson.

Harris will now hope for another outing at home against Gillingham on Saturday.

Harris charges down Stevenage keeper Taye Ashby-Hammond

And Simpson was pleased with what he saw from the 22-year-old ex-Fulham man in the 2-1 defeat to Steve Evans’ Stevenage.

“I wanted energy and legs in there, and I also thought we’d have another big unit to be able to deal with Stevenage’s set plays,” Simpson said.

“I thought he did well. He was really front foot.

“He tired at the end and that’s why I changed it, but I thought he did very well for a first game, and he’s definitely got something to build on.”

Harris joined the Cumbrians on a three-year deal in the first week of the campaign.

Harris was booked for a foul on Luke Norris at Stevenage

The Stevenage trip was his fourth appearance and his second start in all competitions, Harris having also started at Shrewsbury Town in the Carabao Cup.

Simpson hopes to have Moxon back at his disposal soon after a thigh injury.

At the back, meanwhile, the United boss expects Idehen to bed into things after making a quickfire debut at Stevenage.

His substitute outing came two days after the defender joined on a half-season loan from Bristol City.

“It’s been difficult for him because he literally came in on Thursday [then played Saturday],” said Simpson after the Stevenage defeat.

“He’s settled in well, he seems a really good lad – somebody who’s got a real desire to play in the first team and to do a job for us.

Duncan Idehen, right, made his debut as a sub at Stevenage (Image: Richard Parkes)

“We’ll see how he goes now and settles in. He’s come in to give us cover on that left hand side. Hopefully he’ll be able to do the job for us.”

Simpson says United are determined to ensure they can bounce back quickly from the Stevenage defeat.

“We do have positives to take [from the game], so we shouldn’t get too down, but nobody likes to lose,” he said.

“I always say that if you want to achieve something you have to accept that you’re going to lose games, but you have to do everything to make sure it’s not two on the trot.”