Carlisle United launch search for a new goalkeeper

The Blues are exploring the free agent market after fears that loanee Andresson has dislocated his shoulder.

Manager Paul Simpson says the bid to bring in senior cover for Tomas Holy in light of the Andresson injury is up and running.

“We already have been [looking] – we started on Monday,” said Simpson, with Andresson injuring himself in training that day.

“We’ve made enquiries about a couple of goalkeepers who are out of contract, who are not registered anywhere who have been training with clubs.

“So we know they’re fully fit, and we’re just trying to see whether anybody will agree to come in.”

Carlisle are awaiting the results of a scan on Reading man Andresson’s injury but Simpson said assessments by physio Chris Brunskill and United’s club doctor have pointed towards a dislocation.

The length of Andresson’s lay-off will be determined by the scan results but Carlisle’s need for cover appears to be immediate.

Gabe Breeze was on the bench for the Harrogate game in Andresson's absence (Image: Ben Holmes)

Teenager Gabe Breeze was promoted to the bench against Harrogate Town for Tuesday night’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy game.

The 19-year-old is highly regarded by United but has no first-team experience at this stage of his career, and Simpson wants a more senior option in time for Carlisle's next game against Charlton Athletic on November 25.

Andresson is the latest player forced onto the sidelines amid a string of injuries at Brunton Park.

Goalkeeper is far from the only position Simpson is trying to strengthen in the free agent market before the January transfer window opens.

“We’ve been knocked back on other positions so far, players who haven’t had a contract since last season but they’re not wanting to drop to League One, or not wanting to do anything until January, which find hard to get my head around, but that’s just my old-school head,” added Simpson.

“So we’re going to keep plugging away and see what comes.”