Keith Curle believes the short-term deal he has handed to returning frontman Derek Asamoah can only benefit the veteran striker.

Asamoah is hoping to be involved in the squad at Stevenage this weekend - especially with fellow striker Shaun Miller banned.

It will follow his unusual cameo appearance against Hartlepool when the 35-year-old came off the bench in the second half only to be substituted 12 minutes later in a "tactical" change by Curle.

The Ghanaian returned to Brunton Park on a two-month contract last week and Curle says the deal suits all parties.

"It's all about 'come and play football, Derek', then the decision's made at the end of that deal," the manager said.

"If it's not favourable for ourselves, at least then he has been associated to a football club and been part of being successful as a team."

Curle insists Asamoah offers United an alternative tactical option up front with his pace.

In-form Jabo Ibehre and fit-again Charlie Wyke are the other senior frontmen with the Blues.

Curle said: "Derek has got skill sets that, in my opinion, add to the group.

"He's got that frightening pace - the dynamics that can put teams on the back foot.

"When they've got 10 outfield players on the pitch all trying to get something out of the game, there's sometimes nothing better than the old-fashioned hoy it over the top, and a quick centre-forward getting on it and causing havoc.

"To have that as a threat in our armoury - excellent."