John Ward is happy to take his time

The 19-year-old striker is facing up to nine months out of the game with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

However, Ward told BBC Radio Cumbria: "We've got a few weeks until the loan window closes so there is no urgency.

"I'm not going to jump straight in but, if the right player comes along, I'm sure we'll get the support of the board."

Garner is set to undergo surgery next week and is unlikely to play again until Christmas. And that is a blow for a Carlisle side up into third place in League One following four straight wins.

But Garner is not their only source of goals (Danny Graham has scored three in four games). And Ward is confident his side can cope for the time being.

"We certainly don't want any more injuries," he admitted. "But, at the moment, the squad is playing well and it will be very difficult to bring in a player and put him straight into the team."