Jack Stretton looks set to give Paul Simpson’s Carlisle United strikeforce a further boost this weekend.

The Blues manager says the on-loan Derby County frontman is set to return from an ankle injury against Walsall.

Simpson did not risk Stretton in Tuesday night’s 3-3 draw at Harrogate Town.

But he looks in line to rejoin the squad for the Brunton Park clash with the Saddlers.

Asked if Stretton had been close to consideration for Tuesday’s game, Simpson said: “Probably not. But he has done some work [on Tuesday] and felt really good, so he will come back into training, if there’s not been a reaction.

“I would fully expect Jack to be available for the weekend.”

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The 21-year-old Stretton’s return will give Simpson some welcome attacking options with many of his frontman now back available.

Ryan Edmondson returned from suspension with a goal in Tuesday’s draw, while Kristian Dennis was also back from a calf problem.

With Tobi Sho-Silva also recently back in the first-team mix, it gives Simpson some welcome decisions to make at the front of his team in an injury-plagued campaign.

United’s boss now hopes to negotiate the rest of the week trouble-free on the injury front as the Blues prepare to face Michael Flynn’s in-form Saddlers.

“I’m hoping we’ve had no problems [from Tuesday],” added Simpson.

“I saw a massive scar down Mox [Owen Moxon]’s thigh where he got caught, but I hope everybody comes through fit.

“There were some of the lads out there who certainly looked like they needed that 90 minutes, or the 60 or 70 they got out of it – they looked as if they were treading water a little bit, so hopefully they’ll benefit from that.

“It’s up to us to get them freshened up and get them ready to go on Saturday for what will be another tough game, in front of our fans, where we want to make sure we do it properly.”