Paul Simpson admitted Jamie Devitt made a “brilliant” impact in Carlisle United’s fightback against Rochdale.

The experienced midfielder helped the Blues turn the tide as they battled back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3.

Devitt’s contribution included a glorious long pass for Jordan Gibson to set up Kristian Dennis’s goal which triggered the second-half comeback.

The 32-year-old’s display has led some fans to call for the Irish player to be promoted to the starting line-up by Simpson.

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United’s manager said he went with a different midfielder in Jayden Harris from the start on Saturday because of his particular qualities.

But he said there was no denying Devitt’s influence.

“He was brilliant and I thought he did well the other night as well [against Manchester United Under-21s in the Papa John’s Trophy]," Simpson said.

“I wanted to get him on at some point.

“I chose to go with Jayden Harris because of his legs and the way he gets up and down the pitch.

“But it got to the stage where it needed a bit of a change and Dev played a great ball out wide, Jordan does what he does and we got the goal from it. “Hopefully we can keep Dev involved and keep getting an impact from him.”

Devitt has had to be patient for start since signing a new one-year deal on the eve of the season.

Saturday was his first league appearance of the season – although he was in the starting line-up for the game at Grimsby Town last month which was abandoned in the first half because of a waterlogged pitch.

Devitt, who was a sub at Shrewsbury Town in the Carabao Cup and started against Man Utd U21s in the Trophy, will now hope to push his claims further ahead of next Saturday’s League Two trip to Harrogate Town.

Asked if Devitt’s showing on Saturday had knocked on his door for selection, Simpson said: “I know what he’s capable of.

“I just wanted some legs and some energy in there to start with. I think about the chance at the end of the first half where Omari Patrick just put it wide after their defender got a touch, but that comes from Jayden Harris’s pressing, and his long legs winning things, and then putting a quality ball across the box. Jayden brought some things to it.

“I just felt as though when we lost our way in the game, Dev’s experience and ball-retention ability would give us a little bit more.”