JOE GARNER has been labeled a 'top pro' by Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson after the Blues' comeback victory against Burton Albion.

The Carlisle forward was on hand to complete the Blue's comeback against Dino Maamria's Brewers, heading home from close range after being teed up by second-half substitute Terry Ablade.

This was Garner's third goal of the season, with the experienced 35-year-old being praised by his manager Paul Simpson for his contribution to the Blues' comeback.

He said: "Joe has been a top, top pro from the first day he came in, and even when he wasn't playing he was really influential in the changing room and he is a real good pro.

"I always looked at Joe when I wasn't working with him as an angry striker but he is more than that.

"He has got a bit of guile about him, he has got a real sensible head about him and I have been delighted with what he has contributed over the last few weeks and to get that goal tonight is just rewards for that."

Simpson also detailed how he almost substituted Carlisle's eventual game-winner but decided to stick with him due to his tenacity and link-up.

He said: "I was talking about it. I am always discussing with Gav potential changes and I was thinking Luke Plange to go and give us a different dimension because Joe wasn't winning a lot of headers that were coming up to him but he was linking and getting free-kicks.

"I thought maybe Luke's legs would be better up there against their two centre-backs, I didn't make it because Joe was doing a really good job for us and I was so pleased that he got that reward with his goal.