Cook to wait for Carlisle chance

Andy Cook helped earn Barrow an FA Cup second round trip to Oxford

Carlisle United striker Andy Cook knows he must remain patient at Brunton Park following an impressive month on loan at fellow Cumbria side Barrow.

"I'd like to break into the first team but it might take a while yet," Cook told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I'd be over the moon if I get a chance to play in the first team. We've got a few strikers so I just hope I can."

United boss Greg Abbott opted to bring Cook back after the 19-year-old caught the eye with three goals in four games.

"I'm looking at having him back for a month and having a really good look at him," said Abbott.

"He's got to conquer the reserves with that goal-scoring form there.

"The encouraging thing is that he's gone out and scored goals at Conference level, which is no mean feat.

"It's great news for him and the club, because it's given us an indication that we've got a chap who can score goals."

After coming off the bench to score late goals both against Ebbsfleet and in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round replay at Chester, Cook earned a first start in his final game on loan last Saturday.

And he responded with the first goal in Barrow's 2-1 Cup first round win over Eastleigh.

Although there is disappointment for joint Bluebirds bosses Dave Bayliss and Darren Sheridan at losing him, Cook was complimentary of the Holker Street set-up.

And the Bishop Auckland-born forward believes one of his strike partners for the last month, Jason Walker, also has the talent to further his career beyond South Lakeland.

"He's good," said Cook. "I think he might get a move in January. He scored a good goal on Saturday.

"They've got some decent lads down there. The atmosphere was good and, as for the fans, even when they go away, the singing is unbelievable."