Blues boss Chris Beech says Mo Sagaf is back in the reckoning at Carlisle United after an impressive reserve showing.

The midfielder is yet to make a first-team appearance under the new head coach but caught the eye with his display against Wigan’s under-23s on Tuesday.

Beech said it was the best he has seen of the Somalia-born player since he arrived at Brunton Park.

He said: “Mo Sagaf had a very good game. I was really pleased with that.

“I shook his hand at half-time and said, ‘Welcome to Carlisle United’, because I’d not seen that in the first two-and-a-half weeks that I’ve been here.

“It was great from my perspective to see that [and think] wow, there’s a player there.”

Beech said it is essential United’s fringe and youth players continue to use reserve games well.

The Blues are again in Central League Cup action at Blackpool next Monday.

He said: “Wigan are a strong team that that age group, those players have generally played a lot of football together, it was really good to see the lads stick together and play some good football.

“It’s hard sometimes for football players being patient. Fela [Olomola] and Elias [Sorensen] played in that game – they’d be disappointed they didn’t play on Tuesday, and the next minute they’re at Penrith on a Wednesday playing Wigan’s under-23s.

“They dealt with that very well, professionally, had a go, but it’s vital you apply yourselves to those matches.

“They are football players. Getting minutes in you, refining your skills, speeding up your mind – it’s vital you do it properly.”