Abbott will make a decision on his six trialists this weekend

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott says he is close to signing cover for injured defender Danny Livesey.

Captain Livesey, 25, suffered muscle and tendon damage in his groin on his return to pre-season training and will be out for up to three months.

"I'd say we are getting nearer but giving timespans on these kind of things can come back to bite you," Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"It's something that is ongoing and we will continue to press on that front."

Bit by bit we are nicely coming together but there is still a fair bit to go Greg Abbott

Scans have shown that no surgery is required on Livesey at this time although he will be further assessed in three to four weeks.

Abbott has already indicated that he wants to bring an experienced defender in to the club.

"We need a player who can come in, knows the level straight away and is capable of playing League One football at the very least," Abbott said.

"It's a long drawn-out affair with where we are as a football club. It's not as easy as people think.

"Bit by bit we are nicely coming together but there is still a fair bit to do."

The Cumbrians will also make decisions on their six trialists this weekend.

Francois Zoko, Patrick Cregg, Gary Shaw, Craig Walsh, Billy Gibson and Nick Wood are all likely to learn whether they will be kept on after Saturday's friendly with Newcastle United at Brunton Park.

Abbott said: "It's unfair to probably make any judgments now. We'll look at them again and try and make some assessments and let everyone know as soon as we can."

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