Mike Williamson says he would be happy for Carlisle United to nurture a closer relationship with Queen of the South.

The Blues this week loaned midfielder Taylor Charters to the Scottish League One club.

The Doonhamers manager, United legend Peter Murphy, spoke of his hope that it was “the start of a good working relationship” between the two clubs.

United head coach Williamson said that is something he would be content to see develop.

“As long as it benefits both parties, and they're getting good quality players and we're getting lads out there and experiencing that first-team environment and getting that fitness, then yes, I'm all for it,” said Williamson.

Charters is in line for his Queens debut this weekend when Murphy's third-placed side go to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

It follows the Maryport midfielder’s switch to the Dumfries outfit for the rest of the season.

Charters, centre, could make his Queens debut at Inverness this weekend (Image: Richard Parkes)

Charters has been short of first-team opportunities recently at Brunton Park and is in the final months of his contract with the Blues.

Williamson did not rule out the 23-year-old from still having a future at United but said the most important thing at the moment was for Charters to get game time at Palmerston Park.

“He’s a great lad and he's been an unbelievable servant for the club,” said Williamson of the midfielder who came through the Blues' academy and has made 89 first-team appearances.

“He's given the football club a lot, but he just needs to play minutes and he's not getting that opportunity at the minute.

“He has to go there, play games and then we will see what happens.”

It is the third loan move of Charters' time with the Blues, the midfielder previously having temporary spells with Workington Reds and Gateshead.