Paul Simpson says there is light at the end of the tunnel with injuries at Carlisle United – with Morgan Feeney and Omari Patrick on the brink of a return.

The Blues boss also had encouraging news on the progress being made by Ryan Edmondson and Ben Barclay.

Defender Feeney and attacker Patrick could both be back in the squad for Saturday’s home clash with Crewe Alexandra provided they train tomorrow without any reaction.

It follows recent absences with hamstring injuries.

The duo have taken part in full training sessions this week along with striker Edmondson and defender Barclay, the latter pair not expected back in action for another week or so.

“I do still think this weekend is too early for Ryan and Ben, but hopefully we’ll get no reaction from Morgan and Omari and they’ll be available for selection for the group this weekend,” said Simpson at his press conference today.

“They’ll only be in the group if they’re fit enough to start. Even when I select the bench I have to consider whether they could come on in the first minute.

“If, for example, I was to put Morgan on and leave another central defender off but I wasn’t confident Morgan could go on and do the job, I wouldn’t do that.

“They’ve got to be right. I think if there’s no reaction today and they come through tomorrow, they will be right. If that’s the case I’d have no hesitation in involving them.”

Their return will bolster Simpson’s options after he went to Grimsby on Tuesday with a very inexperienced bench.

News and Star: Ben Barclay (photo: Barbara Abbott)Ben Barclay (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Edmondson and Barclay being closer to a comeback is also promising news after a recent spell when the squad has been beset by injuries.

“It’s important to make sure we have a good week’s training next week and see whether or not they could be involved in next weekend’s game at Hartlepool,” Simpson said.

“Or it may even be we look at giving them some minutes in the county cup game at Cleator Moor the week after.

“We have to assess it, they’ve both been out quite a while, Ben in particular. Ryan’s had a real stop-start time, I want to make sure he’s at a point where he’s confident he’s going to have a run of games fit and not be breaking down with silly niggly things. Fingers crossed that’s going to be the case.”

Simpson this week said he was getting “sick” of United’s injuries but added today: “I’m starting to see a bit of light at the end of tunnel.”

That also included progress being made by full-back Joel Senior, who was on the training pitch this week for the first time since suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in February.

News and Star: Joel Senior (photo: Barbara Abbott)Joel Senior (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Frontman Tobi Sho-Silva has also been on the grass as he inches closer to a comeback.

“Joel Senior has been out on the grass this week doing some football and running work, that’s great to see him back out there,” Simpson said.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen him out here in my time with us.

“He’s got a long way to go but these are all little targets he’s looking to achieve. We’re still looking end of October/beginning of November for him.

“But this is a huge step for him to get out and then start taking part in the passing drills, and maybe, next, in possessions with us where he’ll be a spare player and nobody’s allowed to tackle him.

“We’ll start building up those little stages to a point where he’s able to join in full training, and then crack on ready for games.”

Sho-Silva, Simpson said, had been for further testing on a Biodex machine today to assess hamstring and quad strength. “

“We’ll wait for the results to see where the specialist thinks he’s at,” added the Blues boss.

Also on the injury front, Jamie Devitt will receive a second injection in his injured hamstring next Monday.

“He’s feeling much better about things with the way the first one went,” Simpson said.

Sonny Hilton will return to parent club Fulham for a week for further assessment on his ankle injury.

“Chances are their medical department will work with Ross [Goodwin, physio] and Jamie [Roper, fitness coach] here to come up with the right programme for him to get back as soon as possible, in the right state to be able to go back in the team,” Simpson added.

On the injury picture, the Blues boss said: “It’s not just us, it seems it’s right up and down the country, because there are so many teams who are going through it.

“We had 11 players out last Tuesday night, and that tests any squad. I suppose it’s credit to the players that are fit and available that they go and get a draw at Newport, and a win at Grimsby.”