Mike Williamson believes Manchester United loan frontman Joe Hugill is well capable of getting goals for Carlisle United.

The striker is preparing for his second Blues appearance having made his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Bradford City.

Hugill, 21, had a header cleared off the line in the first half and was later denied by visiting keeper Sam Walker.

Other opportunities were scarce as rock-bottom Carlisle slid to defeat.

But Williamson, the head coach, is was encouraged by his first sighting of Hugill in a Blues shirt.

“I think he created a few opportunities out of nothing,” said Williamson.

“In the first half he was inches away from getting a one-v-one with the goalkeeper. I think he pushes defences back.

“He creates things out of nothing. I think, when he gets his chances, he will take them. And that's why we've brought him in.”

Hugill scored five goals in 18 appearances for previous loan club Wigan Athletic this season, prior to his switch to Brunton Park.

He is among the more recent of Carlisle’s January signings, with defender Charlie McArthur also joining the influx last week.

Charlie McArthur in action against Bradford (Image: Ben Holmes)

The young Newcastle United defender got his first outing on the left of the central defensive trio against Bradford, making his EFL debut in the process.

Williamson said of the 19-year-old: “Charlie's got a very, very high ceiling and we watched him for Newcastle.

“He’s had a taste of first-team football, he's been in and around, and there was an opportunity to speak to him.

“He just had a huge need to want to go and play first-team football. He was a good fit and I thought he was a real standout [on Saturday].

“I thought he was fantastic. Even with his age, I thought he really led and he was aggressive in everything he did for 95 minutes.”

Williamson involved eight of nine January signings against Bradford, and could include the ninth – Paul Dummett – for his debut at Fleetwood Town on Saturday, the defender having missed last weekend’s game after being involved in a car crash the day before the game.

He was set to return to training this week, after going to hospital for checks last Friday.

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