Mark Hughes insists his Carlisle United players are responding in the right way to his demand for no “negativity” in the squad.

The head coach has said there are too many players in the first-team squad and this inevitably means plenty will be disappointed come matchday.

But Hughes said it is vital all at Brunton Park remain united behind the cause as Carlisle try to fight their way to League Two survival.

Hughes will have more options to choose from soon with both Jordan Jones and Josh Vela on the brink of fitness.

On the range of players available to him, Hughes said: “Yes, it is the case that I'll upset players. Some players will feel that they haven't had the opportunities that they feel they deserve.

“Obviously, some players will feel when a change of management comes in, they have a better chance of playing. If they don't get those opportunities, then they can get upset.

“I said at the outset when I first came into the building that yes, there's a lot of change, but we can't have any negativity.

“If you're not part of one game, then you may well be part of the next game. So, you have to be really positive.

Mark Hughes (Image: Richard Parkes)

“If there was any negativity or if anybody was displaying that, then I'd just have to park them. They were told that.

“It's just that I can't have that anywhere around the team because it's too important for the group. So, they understand that and they've been good in that regard.”

Carlisle have used 49 players in all competitions this season, and 42 in the league. Some

Wide man Jones is close to returning from a foot injury while midfielder Vela is back from a calf problem.

If neither makes the squad to face Barrow on Thursday night then they could come back into contention for next Tuesday’s home clash with leaders Walsall.

Hughes, having made five changes to his XI for last Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Gillingham, has said he is “closer than ever” to settling on the consistent selection he feels will give United the best chance of staying up.

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