Carlisle United Football Club

Keith Curle on the professional attitude shown by the players

Manager Keith Curle revealed at his press conference last week that defenders Shaun Brisley and Mark Ellis and midfielder Joe McKee had been placed on the available for loan list as he continues to look to shuffle his pack during the January transfer window.

All three players were included in the Accrington match day squad at the weekend, with McKee handed his first league start for the club in a central midfield position.

The manager spoke after the game about how the players had reacted to the news that they were free to look to play their football elsewhere.

“They’ve reacted exactly as I thought they would,” he said. “Their character and professionalism is not in question and they’re desperate to be playing football.

“They’re working extremely hard so that they’re ready to step in whenever they’re given the opportunity.”

And on whether any approaches had been made, he said: “We’ve had contact from a top end Conference team who were interested in both Mark Ellis and Shaun Brisley.

“I gave the players permission to speak to them if they were interested and that’s where that situation is at the moment.

"I’m not in any way forcing anyone out the door and, as I’ve said before, any move made, in or out of the club, has to be right for the clubs and the players involved.”