Paul Simpson says Carlisle United’s struggles further underline the need for a strong summer of recruitment at Brunton Park.

The Blues head to Northampton Town this weekend at a time even Simpson concedes relegation is “inevitable”.

The drop to League Two could be confirmed on Saturday with United 13 points adrift of safety with five games to go.

United’s manager says his players have a “duty” to continue giving their all whatever the situation.

But he says the need to make significant improvements is crystal clear.

One bright spot in recent days has been the early showings of Georgie Kelly, the striker who has finally got a couple of appearances under his belt after recovering from injury.

Simpson said Kelly was “absolutely” a positive from Monday’s defeat to Lincoln City and added: “Luke Armstrong will be better with him alongside him as well.

“I felt a bit for Harrison Neal on Monday because he absolutely worked his socks off in midfield and he was trying to cover round, and win tackles.

News and Star: Georgie Kelly's Easter cameos have shown promise, Paul Simpson saysGeorgie Kelly's Easter cameos have shown promise, Paul Simpson says (Image: Richard Parkes)

“There are players here at this football club that are going to be good moving forward, some who are not available at the moment, but we’ve just got to regroup, make sure our recruitment is right this summer and we spend the budget wisely and we get players in who can help make this football club better.”

Defeat for United at the Sixfields Stadium on Saturday would guarantee relegation, while a draw or even a win would not save the Blues if other results go against them.

Carlisle’s largely dreadful form since the turn of the year has made the return to League Two look certain with another below-par showing on Monday taking the Blues to the brink of having it confirmed.

“Let’s be fair, I think it is inevitable and we’ve probably known it for a few weeks, as much as we’re trying to demand of the players and prepare properly for every game,” added Simpson after the Lincoln defeat.

“It’s not looking great but we have a duty to try and perform to the best of our ability, to work as hard as we possibly can, and we’ll continue to do that regardless of what the table says and whether there is an ‘R’ next to our name or not.

“I think, out of respect to our jobs and to our football club, that’s what we have to carry on doing.”

United have been assessing midfielder Dylan McGeouch after a calf injury kept him out of the Lincoln game, and with the Scot having been due to undergo a scan.