Gavin Skelton welcomed a return to action for Jamie Devitt as the midfield man and other Carlisle United players got some much-needed game time.

Devitt returned from injury to play 90 minutes in a 1-1 reserve friendly draw at Middlesbrough yesterday.

There were also outings for fit-again Josh Dixon – who got 45 minutes – plus Ben Barclay and Ryan Edmondson in the north east.

First-team players Kristian Dennis, who scored a penalty, plus Jayden Harris, JK Gordon, Corey Whelan and Michael Kelly played too – whilst Jack Robinson faced his parent club.

Assistant manager Skelton said outings for such players was the key factor from the game.

“The most important thing for us is that it got minutes into the legs of players who, as we saw from the how the game started for us, needed that type of game time,” the coach said.

“The reason we wanted the fixture was to get players out there and that was what we got from it, which is good.

“It was great to see Josh play in what is a difficult role for 45 minutes. He’ll feel much better for that.

READ MORE: Devitt gets 90-minute outing in Blues friendly at Middlesbrough

“Jamie got a full 90 minutes, so that’s another really positive but, like I say, it was important for all of them to be out there and involved.

“People needed that game for different reasons, be that coming back from injury, not having featured as much as they would have liked recently, or whatever.

“At times we could see a little bit of rustiness, so it all helps. It took us a good 15 minutes to get our legs going, and that’s all part of it. Once we did I thought it was a good game.”

Dennis shot United ahead on the hour mark before Championship side Boro pulled level.

Skelton added of the game: “It was very competitive, and another really pleasing thing is that we kept our discipline, and that’s something we talk about a lot.

“The manager is constantly reminding the players not to get involved in things and to avoid cards by keeping their discipline, and there were some challenges from both sides that I don’t think anybody will complain about.

“You want to see players competing for things in the right way, be it a reserve game or whatever. Nobody reacted, we kept our composure and got on with it.

“The weather wasn’t the best, so that added to it, particularly the wind. It was a tricky pitch at times, and the wind was gale force when it came in, but hopefully we’ve come through with a clean bill of health and more minutes in the tank.”

Youth player Matty Bell started the game while fellow teenagers Nic Bollado, Mason Hardy and Jake Allan came off the bench.

On Bell, Skelton added: “I thought he gave us a composed performance at Workington last week and he was the same here.

“I’m pleased for him, and it’s good for the other youth lads to be involved as well. They learn a lot from these games.

“Right through the team we saw some good performances and a good attitude. That’s important, because you want to see the right attitude in everything you do.”