Morgan-Smith has been capped at England C level

Carlisle United have handed a trial to former Ilkeston striker Amari Morgan-Smith, reports BBC Radio Cumbria.

Morgan-Smith, 21, is now a free agent after his club were wound up in the High Court over an unpaid tax bill.

The former Stockport forward scored 21 times last season and spent two weeks on trial at Derby County this summer.

Championship side Nottingham Forest are also reported to be showing an interest in Morgan-Smith, who played for Carlisle's reserves on Wednesday.

Ilkeston manager Kevin Wilson recently described Morgan-Smith as "the hottest property in non-league".

He told the Nottingham Evening Post: "He has got everything. He has worked very hard to become a better player and now he's reaping the rewards, which is pleasing."

He is an important player for what we are doing and has been very impressive so far Carlisle boss Greg Abbott on striker Francois Zoko

Morgan-Smith has also had spells with hometown club Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crewe Alexandra.

Meanwhile the Cumbrians have played down reported interest in their Ivorian forward Francois Zoko.

A national newspaper has claimed Wigan Athletic, Burnley, Preston and Swansea City are all showing an interest in the 27-year-old.

Zoko has impressed for the Cumbrians after signing a one-year deal in the summer following a spell with Belgian club KV Oostende.

The Cumbrians say they have had "no contact" from any clubs for any of their current squad.

Carlisle manager Greg Abbott is keen to tie-up a longer deal for Zoko who signed a 12-month contract at Brunton Park in August.

"I know how big an impact he has made here," Abbott said. "We need to do something and it is something I've made everyone else at the club aware of.

"He is an important player for what we are doing and has been very impressive so far."

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