CARLISLE United's postponed central league cup clash with Barrow AFC's B team would have been 'important' as part of the Blues' preparations for the visit of Northampton Town according to Paul Simpson.

Carlisle announced yesterday [Monday, December 11] that their fixture against the South Cumbrian's reserves, which was due to take place at Brunton Park, has been postponed and would be played in the new year. 

The second-string fixture was due to act as a bridge between the Blues' 3-0 defeat against Blackpool and their upcoming clash with Jon Brady's Northampton Town at Brunton Park.

Speaking to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips before the match's postponement, Simpson said: We didn't have many players who were going to play in it anyway. I had something in my as to who might be available to play in it. I might have to change that when I see what we have got.

"I think that it is important as part of the training plan we have but the most important is getting ready for next weekend's home game and trying to move forward in a positive way."

The fixture was also planned to give young Blues defender Jack Ellis his first outing since recovering from injury, however, this has had to be deferred by the postponement

He said: "Jack is back in full training and will play a little bit of the game.

“But it’s probably too early to consider him for next weekend [against Northampton Town] to give us an extra body.”

Carlisle will also be bolstered in the coming weeks by the prospective returns of Taylor Charters and captain Paul Huntington.