Carlisle United boss on Dylan McGeouch's midfield impact

And the manager has also given his thoughts on why he did not turn to the midfielder sooner in the Blues’ 2024 struggles.

Experienced McGeouch has earned praise from supporters for his effect on Carlisle’s passing game in recent weeks.

The 31-year-old gave another composed performance in the 2-2 draw with Stevenage although he was penalised for a challenge which saw the visitors get back into things with a penalty.

It was his fourth consecutive start after coming in for the injured Josh Vela.

“He keeps the ball really well for us. He’s got good experience,” said Simpson of the ex-Celtic and Sunderland man.

“He talks well and I thought he was really unfortunate to get that penalty given against him [on Saturday].

Paul Simpson (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“But he gives us experience and balance in there, and I thought him and Harrison Neal worked really, really well together.”

McGeouch has seldom enjoyed a sustained run in the side this season.

• Carlisle United fans give their views on the Stevenage game

Asked if he could have called on him sooner during United’s struggling campaign, Simpson told the News & Star: “Well, unfortunately, he got in the team early on, at Harrogate away I think it was, where he took the first corner and did his hamstring.

“And he was out for probably 60-70 days.

“I just went with other players. And then he's come back into it – and he has done well.

“He's trained really well for the last few months as well, even before he got in the team.

“Everybody’s got opinions about who should play and who shouldn’t. I pick teams on what I see day in, day out.

“Players are the ones who make managers pick them, by the way they go about their business. Dylan went about it right. And that's why he got back in.”