Carlisle United No2 Gavin Skelton says the return to fitness of Josh Emmanuel sees an “infectious” character back in the mix.

The right-sided player made his first appearance for two months in Tuesday night’s Fred Conway Cumberland Cup victory over Whitehaven Miners Social.

A 45-minute outing saw the 26-year-old step up his bid for a return to first-team action following his knee tendon lay-off.

The former Hull City and Bolton Wanderers man could now push for a return to Paul Simpson’s front-line side.

“It was the plan to give him 45,” said Skelton after Emmanuel was withdrawn at the break during the 13-0 county senior cup victory at Brunton Park.

“He played in a back three but we asked him to try and play as a wing-back, to get his work in, and he did that.

“He was overlapping from minute one.

“He probably wanted to stay out [for longer] because his enthusiasm is infectious – he has a really good personality and attitude towards work.”

Defender Ben Barclay also made his comeback following a short lay-off with an ankle problem.

He played 78 minutes against the west Cumbrian part-time side and could also come into the mix for the struggling Blues’ trip to Charlton Athletic this weekend.

Skelton said both players would now be closer to contention. “With the work they got [in this game], it’s beneficial, and just getting back onto a full size pitch gives them a reality,” added the coach.

The Blues No2 said all the other players came through the Whitehaven game unscathed, as Simpson prepares for the trip to south London this weekend.

News and Star: Nathan Jones' Charlton, who host Carlisle on Saturday, went six unbeaten with Tuesday's 3-1 win at CheltenhamNathan Jones' Charlton, who host Carlisle on Saturday, went six unbeaten with Tuesday's 3-1 win at Cheltenham (Image: PA)

While United are adrift at the bottom of the table, they will be taking on a Charlton side whose own relegation concerns were eased with a midweek victory.

Nathan Jones’ side struck twice late on to win 3-1 at third-bottom Cheltenham Town on Tuesday.

The Addicks are unbeaten in six and now sit seven points above the drop zone in 14th.