CARLISLE United striker Dan Butterworth has been praised for his 'effective' performance against Burton Albion.

The 24-year-old was handed his first league start of the season by Simpson against Dino Maamria's Brewers following his free transfer from Blackburn Rovers in the summer window.

It also followed his impressive showing off the bench in the Blues' agonising late 1-0 defeat against Portsmouth at Fratton Park on Saturday.

It is still up for debate whether Butterworth meant to tee up Jordan Gibson who fired home to kickstart the Carlisle comeback, however, the Blues striker was met by a standing ovation, when he was replaced by Terry Ablade in the second half, for his contributions to the game. 

Speaking after Carlisle's comeback had been completed, Simpson challenged Butterworth to continue to be 'effective' when he is given chances.

He said: "Dan has been frustrated because he hasn't been involved and I spoke to him last Monday before they played the game against Blackpool and he asked me what he needed to do.

"I said you have to be effective when you get the ball and you have just got to do both sides of the game for us.

"I accept he is more of a forward player than an out-of-possession player but when you are getting the ball you have to be effective and he was against Blackpool in the bounce game, he came on on Saturday at Portsmouth and was effective and tonight he has been effective as well and that is what he has to keep doing"

Simpson also used Butterworth as an example for the rest of the players in his squad who have not yet made their mark on the pitch this season.

"You will get a chance but you have to take it when it comes," He said.

"There is not point in wingeing and moaning that you are not playing if you do not go and grab that opportunity and Butts has done really well tonight.

"Whether he gets another opportunity away from home at the weekend, we will just have to wait and see."