Carlisle United boss on Luke Armstrong's first week at club

The new signing is training with the Blues even though he cannot play for the club until January 6.

Striker Armstrong’s club-record move from Harrogate Town was agreed at the start of this week and Simpson was keen to get the 27-year-old in the building ahead of the new year.

And despite the frontman not being involved for the League Two club recently as his January departure loomed, Simpson says he is in good condition.

“He’s settled in really well. I've been really pleasantly surprised, to be honest, with his level of fitness – he looks in good shape,” said the Carlisle manager.

“It's been quite disrupted for him at Harrogate, because he's not been involved in the games.

“So he's missed out on all of those sorts of things. He’s missed out on some footballing sessions, because he's been just training on his own.

• WATCH: Highlights from Luke Armstrong's goalscoring career

“So it was good to see him involved. I think he's happy to be doing football with a group rather than just running on his own.

“I'm hoping that we all benefit from him being able to do a couple of weeks [with us before he can play].

Luke Armstrong has joined United in a club record deal (Image: Ben Holmes)

“And I'm really thankful to Harrogate about the way that they've dealt with this. They've been incredibly professional, and understanding of the situation and have allowed him to come and be with us.”

While Armstrong has produced a strong goals tally for Harrogate over the last two seasons, he has only one goal in 15 appearances this season.

This campaign, though, has seen his action limited as, in August, he made himself unavailable as a transfer to Wrexham appeared to be on the cards.

Since that move fell through, the likelihood of Armstrong moving on in January led boss Simon Weaver to remove him from contention in recent weeks.

Simpson says the player is in a good place mentally and physically now he is on the brink of a new start with United, with a possible debut coming at Exeter City on January 6 once his registration transfers on New Year's Day.

“I think he’s absolutely delighted, and I got that impression from the first conversation I had with him on the phone, and when we met up,” Simpson said.

“I always like to try and meet players, look them eye-to-eye and get a feeling for what they are.

“From the first conversation he was really keen to come and join us. He was really looking forward to the challenge.

“He sees the potential of what could possibly happen here with the takeover going on and the fact we are wanting to move the football club forward.

“I think he’s enjoying the fact he’s wanted by us and he wants to come in and try and help us.”