Gavin Skelton said Elias Sorensen’s first goal in a Carlisle United shirt will do the striker the world of good.

The Newcastle loan man netted in United’s 2-1 reserve win at Rangers with Ryan Loft also scoring with a penalty.

It was 20-year-old Sorensen’s first strike since his move from St James’ Park and assistant manager Skelton said: “His finish was very good, a good goalscorer’s finish from a tight angle, and the way he took it should give him confidence.

“Performances and goals always help. In the last few weeks he has been adapting to what the manager wants and he has to maintain that.

“Both strikers were very encouraging. They showed good pace and both deserved their goals.

“They really did apply themselves.”

United’s victory at Rangers’ Hummel Training Centre yesterday also saw Stefan Scougall given his first outing since August after a hamstring injury.

The midfielder played the first 45 mintues as he gets closer to a first-team return.

Skelton said: “Scougs did well. He tired a bit and there was no point taking a risk, but while he was on he did great.

“We brought him off at half-time, which was always the intention.

“He is getting closer. With hamstring injuries you are always managing it and it is something we have been careful about, working in tandem with Neil Dalton.

“I imagine he will train later in the week and the manager will take it from there.

“He is a fit lad anyway and will have got a lot from his 45 minutes.”

United’s No2 said it was a much better display in general than in previous second-string friendlies this season.

Skelton said: “It was really good. They were disappointing in previous reserve games but showed a good attitude and application here against a team that worked them hard.

“We had a good shape and numerous players played well.

“It is frustrating when you are not in the first team but they showed the right approach and have done themselves no harm.

“The young boys also performed well and it will be good for their development.”

Watched by manager Steven Pressley, United played in a 3-5-2 system, mirroring the first team in their most recent game at Newport.

Skelton was pleased with the efforts of those at the back.

“The three at the back – Jon Mellish, Jarrad Branthwaite and Aaron Hayden – we’ve been doing quite a lot of extra work with them, and it showed,” he said.

“They haven’t played together that much but they all performed really well, not just defensively but in possession as well.”

Jamie Barjonas scored Rangers’ consolation after Eros Grezda missed an early penalty.

Skelton added: “Rangers had a bit of a mix in their team, similar to ourselves. It was a good test.”