Luke Plange showed “great character” in his man-of-the-match Carlisle United performance against Northampton Town.

That was the verdict of manager Paul Simpson after the attacker responded to fans’ criticism in the best possible way.

Some travelling supporters had cheered when the young Crystal Palace loan forward was substituted in the previous weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Blackpool.

Seven days later and 21-year-old Plange produced a bright display in the 2-2 draw against the Cobblers.

Simpson said he had not spoken to Plange about the unwanted reception he got at Bloomfield Road – and only discussed ways he could shine against Northampton.

“I didn’t even talk to him at all [about that], I just wanted him to get back to training,” said Simpson.

“I spoke to him when I named the team, about what I wanted, and we did a little bit of work in the middle of the week where I think he got an idea he was going to be involved.

“I just thought it was great character he’s shown [against Northampton], and that’s why he’s been sent here – to learn these little things, or big things in fact, how to deal with problems, how to deal with adversity like he had to.

“I trusted him. He's had a good week of training and didn't show any effects of the stuff from last weekend.

News and Star: Plange impressed on the right of United's attack against NorthamptonPlange impressed on the right of United's attack against Northampton (Image: Ben Holmes)

“Crystal Palace have trusted us and we've looked after him, we're trying to do the right things for him. And I thought he caused all sorts of problems for [Patrick] Brough.

“It would have been really nice if he could've worked the goalkeeper a little bit more, but he can take a lot of confidence from [his performance].

“I think he’s shown a great reaction so I’m sure he’ll be incredibly proud of that.”

Simpson deployed Plange on the right of United’s attack having used him more centrally at Blackpool.

He felt the loanee’s performance contributed to a much more effective Carlisle effort overall.

“I just had this feeling by playing Jordan Gibson on the left and Luke on the right that they could cause problems,” added the Blues boss.

“A little bit of work we did on how we could get a bit of rotation to get the ball out to them, whether it was hitting them in those little pockets or the full backs getting higher…I thought it worked for us.

“There’s a little bit of disappointment that it’s only a point, but it’s a point more than we had before the game.”