Joshua Kayode looks set to make his third Carlisle United debut tomorrow night – with Paul Simpson keen to throw him straight into action.
The striker, who joined on deadline day, is likely to feature in the EFL Trophy game at Accrington Stanley.
Kayode’s season-long loan move from Rotherham United happened too late for him to play against Shrewsbury Town in Saturday’s 2-0 win.
But the striker, who was at Brunton Park to watch the game, is now ready for action.
“Without a doubt he comes into [my thinking for Tuesday],” Simpson said.
“We want to get him playing as soon as we possibly can. Tuesday’s the first opportunity.”
Kayode, who had loan spells at United in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons, rejoined in the final hour of the transfer window.
Simpson said the 23-year-old’s heart was set on coming to Carlisle despite interest from elsewhere.
LISTEN: Simmo on Shrewsbury win, Kayode, transfer issues and more
The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international cited his good rapport with United’s fans from previous spells as a major reason for returning.
“There were a lot of clubs after him, clubs who can pay more money than us,” said Simpson.
“We were in to do a permanent [deal] – the directors backed us to do it, and we’re talking a serious amount of money more than our record transfer.
“It didn’t come to that because Rotherham extended his contract and it was then about a loan, but thankfully he was adamant [about coming here].
“When I spoke to him on Friday morning for the first time – I didn’t have permission before that – he said, ‘I’m coming to you’.
“We’d heard somebody else was going to buy him or he was going there on loan, but he said, ‘You’re the only place I’m coming. You might have to wait until the last hours of the window but I’m coming to you’.
“And I’m so pleased he's chosen to do it. Now we’ve got to try and get the best out of him to help him move on in his career.”
Simpson added: “The fans are a big pull. He remembered the relationship he had, the positive feeling he had from the fans last time. We hope he can get that again.”
Kayode scored 11 goals in 41 appearances in his previous two stints, and Simpson believes he is a more impressive physical specimen now.
“He’s bulked out since he was here last time,” said the Blues boss.
“He’s a real good athlete. He’s got some traits that will really add to our group.
“I think he’s coming back into a really positive football club.”
Simpson, meanwhile, has suggested that any Carlisle moves in the free agent market between now and the January window are unlikely.
“Being really honest, I think we are at our limit in terms of the budget with bringing JJ in," he said.
“I honestly don’t know. I was really focused on that one.
“At the moment I think we’ve got a good mix. There may be opportunities where clubs from the non-league circuit might call and ask to take our players out on loan, we can still do that.
“I won’t leave us short. It’s more a case of if there’s anybody out there who could be a free agent and available…but that’s for another day.”
United’s other piece of deadline-day business saw young midfielder Kai Nugent join Annan Athletic on loan, with the 18-year-old on the bench for Peter Murphy’s side in their 1-1 draw at Kelty Hearts on Saturday.
“I think it’s a really good level for him, playing in senior football,” said Simpson.
“He showed last year at Workington that he can do that, so I’m really interested to see how Kai gets on.
“Peter Murphy will look after him properly like he did and still is with Max [Kilsby], so hopefully it will be a good thing for him to go and develop.”
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