Offiong has scored just once in 18 games for Carlisle

Carlisle boss Greg Abbott has told striker Richard Offiong "it's time to deliver" after admitting patience is running out with the front man.

Offiong, 25, has scored only once since joining United in a £75,000 deal from Hamilton Academical in September.

"He's had a tough talking-to," Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria. "We've told him it's time to start to deliver.

"Patience is something you don't get a lot of in football and he's had more than most."

The striker has failed to hold down a regular first-team place since his arrival from the SPL side and has only managed one goal for the club's second-string.

We're hoping the penny is going to drop with Richard Carlisle boss Greg Abbott

"He's been in this situation before," Abbott said. "We've asked him to come to the party.

"We're hoping the penny is going to drop with Richard."

Offiong began his career with Newcastle United but failed to make a first-team appearance at St James' Park.

He was capped by England at Under-20 level during his time with Newcastle and had loan spells with Darlington, Motherwell, and York City.

He scored his first Carlisle goal in the 3-2 win at Exeter City last month.

The Cumbrians have extended the loan stay of winger Ben Marshall from Premier League side Stoke City until the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has made seven first-team appearances for Carlisle, scoring once in the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield.

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