Boss Steven Pressley has told returning Carlisle United frontman Hallam Hope: If you want to leave in January, earn it.

The striker is back with the Blues at Stevenage today after Barbados international duty.

Pressley said the forward was in good spirits as he returned to the club after two Bajan outings.

It came after Hope’s chances of a summer move were dashed despite weeks of speculation ahead of the transfer deadline.

Pressley said: “He seemed in really good spirits [when he returned on Thursday] – I was chatting with him in the analysis suite and he seemed to have a really good time and enjoyed his football.

“I certainly hope that’s the case.

“It maybe has given him a bit of thinking time, a little break away from here.

“He’s come back and I’m pretty sure he knows, if Hallam wants to go in January, he has to earn the right to go in January.

“People will not take Hallam based on nine months ago, they’ll do it based on his form. He has to produce for us between now and then.”