Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has hailed the “brilliant” loan spell of Max Kilsby at promotion-chasing Annan Athletic.
And he has urged the young Blues defender and his team to complete the job in their play-off final this week.
Teenager Kilsby was the star of the show with two goals and a man-of-the-match performance as Peter Murphy’s side claimed a 3-1 first-leg advantage over Clyde.
They will tomorrow aim to finish the job in the second leg away from home – and reach Scottish League One for the first time.
Simpson said United were well represented at Tuesday’s first leg at Galabank where Kilsby produced two impressive finishes.
He was also last night set to scrutinise footage of the 19-year-old’s performance.
Carlisle’s manager said: “I was in Manchester on Tuesday evening, so I wasn’t able to watch, but I think we had five players and four members of staff there, so he was well supported.
“I’ve had a report on how Max has done and he was excellent – getting man of the match and two great goals.
“It’s been a brilliant loan for him.
“I’m going to go and watch his clips back and see how he was.
“We’ve been able to follow him all season because he trains with us and we’ve seen how he’s developing.
“Let’s hope Peter Murphy, Annan and Max can now go and finish the job off properly.”
First-year pro Kilsby has spent the season with Annan and has been a regular in Blues legend Murphy’s defence.
He will be hoping his exploits at Galabank will convince United to award him a new deal this summer.
Kilsby’s showing in the first game against Clyde caught the eye of Cammy Bell, the former Rangers, Kilmarnock, Dundee United and Scotland goalkeeper and former Annan director of football.
“He [Kilsby] came up with two really important goals and fantastic finishes,” said Dumfries-born Bell when co-commentating on the BBC’s coverage of the game.
“He was also really good down the left hand side and caused Clyde problems all game.”
Kilsby is aiming to be the second young Carlisle loan player to win promotion this season after Kai Nugent helped Workington Reds to NPL West play-off success.
Their senior Blues team-mates are aiming for play-off glory in League Two as they take on Bradford City in Saturday's semi-final second leg.
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