Joel Senior deserves to make a positive comeback because of how hard he has worked on his recovery from injury.

That’s the view of Carlisle United’s assistant manager as the Blues defender steps up his return.

Senior is working his way back from the cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered in February.

The Blues hope the former Burnley and Altrincham man will be back in action around October-November.

And coach Gavin Skelton says the 23-year-old is doing everything he possibly can to ensure he comes back in the best condition.

“He’s coming along well – I couldn’t exactly say [when he’ll be back] but there is progression,” said Paul Simpson’s No2.

READ MORE: Mixed news on injury front for Carlisle United duo

“You see him in that gym, the work he puts in in that gym, doing different stuff, for that length and period of time…you watch him and he never cuts corners.

“You keep a little eye [on these things] and I hope, when he gets fit, he has no recurrence, and he gets rewarded for the work he’s committed to.”

Senior suffered the injury at Salford City just five games into his spell with the Blues, following his move from the National League in January.

His return will eventually provide Simpson with extra competition on the right for impressive loan wing-back Fin Back.

Skelton, meanwhile, said the likes of Senior deserve the respect of every player as they try to battle through tough times.

“It’s not just him – Josh Dixon and Brennan Dickenson has got to go through that, Tobi [Sho-Silva]…it’s the dark side of football where they are working on their own for hours a day, looking at those four walls,” Skelton said.

“When the players moan outside sometimes, they want to realise how lucky they are not to be stuck in the gym on their own, and being out on that pitch, able to train in the fresh air.

"The lads do get round them, but no matter what you say, they don’t feel part of it - it’s impossible, they’re on a totally different training schedule.

"You keep talking to them, the physios and staff here are really supportive and give them as much support and detail, keep setting goals each month.

"Joel’s been in Manchester working on a new, modern kind of running machine – it’s trying to keep them fresh and their spirits up.

"They’ll have days where they feel a bit flat and unfortunately that’s part of it. It’s about making sure they still feel wanted."

We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.

Please report any comments that break our rules.

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here

© 2001-2022. This site is part of Newsquest's audited local newspaper network. A Gannett Company. Newsquest Media Group Ltd, Loudwater Mill, Station Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. HP10 9TY. Registered in England & Wales | 01676637 |

Data returned from the Piano 'meterActive/meterExpired' callback event.

As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles.

Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services.

These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience – the local community.

It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times.